Anticonvulsants are sometimes taken to treat the manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Depakote is sometimes prescribed when patients experience rapid cycling of mood episodes and works
by calming the hyperactivity of the brain during mania
.
What does Depakote do to the brain?
Divalproex sodium
works by increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain
. The body produces GABA naturally. It is a chemical neurotransmitter — or brain messenger. Faster than normal electrical impulses in the brain can cause erratic impulses.
How long does Depakote take to work for bipolar?
How long does it take for divalproex (Depakote) to start working? While it only takes a few hours for your body to fully absorb divalproex (Depakote), it can take a few weeks before you start to notice a difference in your symptoms. If you’re not seeing any improvement after
6 to 8 weeks
, let your provider know.
What is the mechanism of action of Depakote?
The most popular theory is that valproic acid exerts its
effects by increasing the concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain
. GABA is a neurotransmitter, a chemical that nerves use to communicate with one another. The FDA approved valproic acid in February, 1978 and divalproex in March 1983.
What does Depakote make you feel like?
A: Common side effects experienced with Depakote include
drowsiness, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, low platelet count, tremors, tiredness, and hair loss
. The side effects may be mild to moderate, but they may also be signs of a more serious condition.
Is 500mg of Depakote a lot?
Depakote ER is indicated for prophylaxis of migraine headaches in adults. The recommended starting dose is 500 mg
once daily for 1 week
, thereafter increasing to 1000 mg once daily.
Is 3000 mg of Depakote too much?
Most patients take a total of
750 to 3,000 mg each day
. Taking more than 4,000 mg per day is seldom recommended. Patients who have been taking regular Depakote or Depakene will need to take 8% to 20% more Depakote ER to achieve the same effect.
Is Depakote an antipsychotic med?
Depakote is
an anticonvulsant
and Abilify is a psychotropic drug (antipsychotic). Side effects of Depakote and Abilify that are similar include drowsiness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, constipation, weight changes, or vision changes/blurred vision.
Are Depakote and divalproex the same thing?
What Is Depakote? Depakote (divalproex sodium) is a stable coordination compound comprised of sodium valproate and valproic acid used to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, epilepsy, and migraine headaches. Generic Depakote (termed divalproex sodium) is available under several other names.
What are good Depakote levels?
Most clinicians dose Depakote at bedtime in order to increase compliance and minimize side effects, regardless of the formulation used. Start at 250-500 mg QHS, gradually increasing to achieve a blood Depakote level of
70-80 mcg/mL
, which will often be in the 1000-1250 mg QHS range.
Does Depakote calm you?
Depakote is sometimes prescribed when patients experience rapid cycling of mood episodes and
works by calming the hyperactivity of the brain during mania
.
What can you not take with Depakote?
Some products that may interact with this drug include: certain
antidepressants
(e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline, phenelzine), certain antibiotics (carbapenems such as doripenem, imipenem), irinotecan, mefloquine, orlistat, other medications for seizure (e.g., ethosuximide, lamotrigine, phenytoin, rufinamide, …
What are signs of Depakote toxicity?
Call your doctor at once if the person taking this medicine has signs of liver or pancreas problems, such as:
loss of appetite, upper stomach pain
(that may spread to your back), ongoing nausea or vomiting, dark urine, swelling in the face, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Does Depakote help with anger?
Valproic Acid/Depakote
®
may be helpful for decreasing severe anger and mood lability
, that does not respond to antidepressants.
How much weight do you gain on Depakote?
Depakote is used to treat bipolar disorder and seizures, and prevent migraines. A 2007 study of epilepsy patients found that
44 percent of women and 24 percent of men gained 11 pounds or more
while taking Depakote for about a year.
Does Depakote help with anxiety?
Valproic acid is an epilepsy medication that is now used for
the treatment of panic attacks
as well as other psychiatric problems. May work better by adding it to a primary medication that is not completely effective.
