May 7, 2012 - Please go to the new Depakote page write experiences, stories, and advice entries..
Facts and Information Obtained and Confirmed:
Abbott Laboratories manufactures Depakote. There currently are no U.S. generic Depakote (divalproex) manufacturers.
Depakote is a derivative of (valproic acid + sodium valproate) which is FDA approved to treat seizures, migraines, and management of manic episodes in bipolar disorder and sometimes it is used for unspecified anxious type problems.
Depakote is thought to increase levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which is believed to cause a calming effect.
It can take a while (days, weeks) for Depakote to reach full therapeutic potential, but some claim it shows benefits sooner.
Depakote can be toxic to the liver in some individuals. The prescribing physician should order periodic blood tests to prevent possible liver problems.
Depakote can cause pancreas problems in some people (pancreatitis). Patients should report any nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, or anorexia to their doctor.
Pregnant women should avoid Depakote if possible because it may cause birth defects.
Depakote is not considered to be addictive or a drug that is frequently abused.
Abrupt discontinuation may cause withdrawal symptoms or seizures in some individuals. Gradual decreases should be administered when discontinuing this medication.
Depakote is not listed as a controlled substance by the United States Food and Drug Administration
Usually it comes in 125 mg, 250 mg, and 500 mg.
A realistic initial daily dose is 750 mg per day in divided doses. The manufacturer suggests "rapid" increases until a therapeutic dose is reached.
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I was given this drug as a mood stabilizer. It happened to be a dual treatment drug for me because I have difficult to treat migraines. This medication was like a wonder drug for me two bird with one stone. Prior medications did not work for moodstabilizer and the only thing I could take for my migraines was amerge. It did not incapacitate me. I was on it for 2 years until I had too much in my system. I got up and went to the restroom and I saw the patterns on the wall and the table spinning (but the flower on it was not moving) all sort of strange especially for someone who never took illegal drugs. I legally hallucinated. One of the worst days of my ordeal was having to change a medication that was working perfectly for two things and had been working for a while. The doctor would not try it again later because I had the reaction 1 year after taking the medication. If it were left up to me i would do it again ... nice to have medication that keep my mood stabilized and also prevented hard to treat migraines. TiKi.
Depakote (divalproex) Topic Suggestions:
Opinion: Editorials on Positives or Negatives about it
Opinion: Why is it Right, Wrong, Good, or Bad?
What It Was Like The First Time You Took It?
A Detailed Description of What It Feels Like to Be on It
A Strange or Weird Experience while Taking It
Opinion: How Much Is Too Much?
Opinion: Religion, Spirituality and this Medication
How It Was then Compared to How It Is Now?
Unique or Bizarre Experiences with this Medication
Bad, Harmful, or Worst Experience Ever
Worries, Fears, or Paranoia
Opinion: Is this Medication Addictive?
(Any other Topic Related to this Medication)
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Please go to the new Depakote page write experiences, stories, and advice entries..
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