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Bipolar disorder is known to affect roughly three percent of the US population, and the condition sets off a sequence of symptoms. Patients are known to experience wild swings in mood coupled with abnormal manic highs. Attributed to genetics, changes in brain structure and possible influences in social circles, individuals with the condition are known to have high energy levels, with an unreal or surreal existence, apart from low motivation.  Depakote is one among the various medications used for treating the symptoms associated with the condition.  Let’s take a good look at the anti-convulsant and the possible side effects of Depakote of long term use of the medication.

What are the properties of Depakote and how does it help to deal with the conditions?

As mentioned above, seizures manic episodes are symptoms linked to the condition. Depakote is used for managing the above conditions, in addition to treating migraine headaches. A branded offering of Divalproex sodium, Depakote is in use for more than forty years with proven properties. From neuroprotective properties, anti-manic properties, to anti-proliferative properties, the medication is loaded with powerful properties that make it ideal for treating the above conditions. In extended-release and delayed release oral medications.

What kinds of side effects are known to be experienced frequently?

Certain undesirable outcomes of the medication are known to occur frequently; such as dizzy and drowsy feelings. These conditions may have an impact on the abilities of the patient in discharging routine actions and responsibilities. For instance, driving or operating machinery that require higher levels of alertness and good reflex actions should not be taken up by individuals on the medications. Other frequently occurring symptoms include nausea, vomiting and possible fatigue.

Other undesirable effects include possible impact on vision such as blurring. The patient may experience changes in appetite, such as an increase or decrease in appetite. Consequently, there could either be an increase or decrease in weight. The patient may find it difficult to perform routine actions, due to an impact on coordinated movements; however, this effect is not commonly occurring in nature.

Are there any undesirable effects need extra caution among caregivers?

Like most medications, there are side effects of the medication that may be common to most users. These effects are not dangerous in nature, but mild and do not require medical intervention. In most instances, these effects gradually subside. However, certain impulsive behaviour are known to be dangerous in nature, and require extra care and caution among users and caregivers. For instance, suicidal thoughts are possible among a small section of users. It is necessary that caregivers carefully observe indicative behaviour and take precautions to prevent tragedies. Patients with depression or anxiety related disorders are at elevated risk levels of harbouring such intent. Behavior that can be considered as indicative, include any abnormal restlessness, or agitated feelings. Patients who find it difficult to fall asleep or those who are aggressive all the time, are also known to be in high risk category of having suicidal impulses.

Changes that can be easily witnessed include any abnormal increase in activity levels. For instance, an individual who has not been talkative in the past, may suddenly turn talkative in nature. Similarly, any abnormal increase in activity levels is also indicative of manic thoughts. Mood swings, and a tendency to get easily irritated are all possible indications.

What are the other possible side effects of Depakote?

In addition to the above, there is also the possibility of individuals experiencing allergies. Commonly reported allergic reactions include hypersensitivity, and the outbreak of rashes on the skin. This can sometimes be accompanied by low grade fever. A small section of users with allergic reactions may also experience formation of blisters on the skin. Allergies also include sores in the mouth, or swelling that in the tongue, eyes, throat or lymph nodes. As a result of swelling, the individual may sometimes find it difficult to either breathe or swallow food/liquid substances easily. It is necessary to seek and provide medical attention for the above allergies as this could turn serious quickly. Allergies have the risk of requiring emergency care or triaging at a healthcare facility if the conditions are not treated on time.

Will everyone on the medication experience undesirable effects?

Any list of side effects of depakote is a compilation of possible undesirable effects. The effects as mentioned above may be mild and moderate in nature or could also be adverse and serious in nature. The possibility of all users experiencing side effects is virtually impossible. Some are known to be free from all side effects whatsoever. The intensity of the effects and the duration of the symptoms may also differ from person to person. However, it is necessary to note that there is a clear distinction between side effects and drug interactions. Drug interactions refer to the effect of one medication on another medication take at the same time. This interaction or reaction will occur between certain medications and the effects are more likely to be common to most users. For instance, the efficacy of one drug may be compromised when taken along with other drugs, and this effect will be common to all users.

What kind of drugs will interact with the anti-convulsant? 

Drug interactions are a possible outcome, and this is not limited to prescription medications. Patients on herbal supplements and other OTC formulations are also at risk of experiencing drug interactions.  Documented studies show that the anti-convulsant could interact with anesthetic, and the result in an increase the outcome of the anesthetic drug.  In other words, the effect may be stronger and pronounced, than desired or expected.

Similarly, the anti-convulsant is also known to interact with other anti-seizure medication. The effect is typically an increase in Depakote in the body, which may result in stronger side effects. It may be necessary to regulate the dosage in such a manner so as to keep the levels low.  Other interactions include reactions with medications prescribed for migraine. The effect could be increased ammonia levels in the body which may result in possible hypothermia or other outcomes associated with higher levels of ammonia in the body.

Does Depakote come with any FDA warning?

Depakote belongs to the class of drugs that come with FDA black box warning. These warnings are effectively an alert to healthcare professionals and users alike that there is a clear risk of serious side effects under specific circumstances. This black box warning is considered as a high level of warning among prescription medications, warranting additional caution. Children below two years may end up with liver damage if the drug is administered. Similarly, damage to the liver is a possibility among patients diagnosed with neurometabolic syndromes, and is of paramount importance for patients to check the condition of the liver. This is not to be limited to the period before taking the medication, but needs to be monitored during the treatment regimen and also after the treatment ends.

Apart from compiled side effects, Depakote also causes pancreatitis. This condition needs to be treated on time, failing which it may result in mortality among patients. Pancreatitis refers to inflamed pancreas, and patients are likely to end up with the condition any time.

Are there any special warnings to pregnant mothers?

In addition to the above possible serious outcomes, the medication is also known to have an impact on the fetus. Pregnant women are advised to stay off the medication as this can have an impact on the baby, by causing defective limbs, and can affect the head, spinal cord, heart, and urination. The child may also end up with lower IQ levels and could have impaired ability to think clearly. Children are known to have emotional disorders as a result of the mechanism of action of the drug. It is necessary to be aware of these possible tragic effects on children and prevent intake by pregnant mothers.

What kinds of effects require special care?

As outlined above, there are certain conditions that require special care. For instance, if a condition is persistent in nature or if the intensity appears to be increasing, then it is a cause for concern.  Bleeding is an indication of a possible serious manifestation. This can be discerned through discoloration on the skin – the appearance of purple or reddish spots on the skin. Additionally, the patient may also get bruised easily. Similarly, the patient may experience bleeding either from the mouth or nose that is not linked to any serious trauma or injury. The slightest scratch may induce abnormal bleeding.

As a result of a possible spike in ammonia levels, the patient is likely to feel tired very quickly. This could also cause vomiting among patients. The change in ammonia levels may also result in individuals experiencing confusion. It is necessary to observe these conditions or symptoms, and understand if there is a link to any other reason. In the absence of any logical reason, it indicates possible side effects of Depakote.

Other possible undesirable outcomes include hypothermia, wherein the patient may have lowered body temperature. As a result of the temperature dipping below normal levels, the individual may appear confused, depending on the intensity or the lack of treatment, it is possible that the patients may end up in a coma. Fatigue is another indicator of lower body temperature, and this could also be accompanied by a change in the vitals of the patient. Shallow breathing, slower than normal breathing, and a weak pulse are all possible changes in vitals that may be witnessed.

Is there any effect on the organs?

Allergic reactions may have an impact on the organs of the body. For instance, hypersensitivity can trigger swelling around various organs. Patients with allergies and hypersensitivity may end up with swelling around the liver, the heart, the kidneys and the muscles. Indicators include pain and clear symptoms that point to damage to the liver. An individual on the medication who ends up unusually tired, without indulging in any strenuous activity needs to be checked for allergic reactions. Any swelling in the face is not to be disregarded, but needs to be followed up with proper laboratory tests to understand if there has been any impact on the liver.