Depakote-Drug for Epilepsy

Depakote is a drug which is primarily used in stopping seizure activity in epileptic people. Some epileptics may take this drug by itself, and others may need other medications in order to stop a lot of their seizure activity. So it all depends upon the degree of epilepsy.

Other uses of Depakote can help people with bipolar disorders, or in the prevention of migraine headaches.

One of the dangers of this medication is the high rate of liver damage which it can cause. That is why it is important to take regular liver enzyme blood tests the first 6 months of treatment to see how the liver responds to this drug. Depakote can kill off the liver function completely which can pose a fatal threat. Children that are under the age of 2 are much more susceptible to this occurring.

If you have forgotten your dosage of Depakote, it is important that you don't take a doubled dose the next time.

Depakote, like any of these medications you take does have the potential for some serious side effects. Be sure your treating physician knows your complete medical history especially if you have liver disease. The list of side effects includes:

Stomach and digestive side effects can be stomach pain, indigestion problems, and vomiting. Other digestive problems are possibly constipation, a profound weight loss or gain, no appetite, and constipation.

Neurological, (brain side effects) may be those like bad thoughts, headache, poor coordination, ears ringing, sleeping too much or too little, feeling nervous, erratic behaviors, and tremors.

Other side effects might include sore throats, infections, possible hair loss, nasal problems, and some problems with changes in the vision.

If you are taking Depakote and any of these side effects are troublesome to you, it is most important to report them to the doctor.

One of the things your doctor should also tell you is that this drug can also upset the pancreas as well as it does the liver. It has been known to cause some rapid destruction to pancreatic cells as much as it can the liver. Regular blood work to check the blood sugar is also important for that very reason.

When you are taking any types of painkillers, they can be affected along with Depakote. Depakote has been known to strongly impact the effect of a painkiller in the body.

It is also vitally important that before taking any over-the-counter medications that you consult with your pharmacist before buying them. Depakote can cause a very negative effect with many of these medicines.