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Is Depakene Bad For You?

Also Known As: Valproate


Grade

C


Short answer

Depakene (Valproic Acid) is a medicine that should only be used if prescribed and as prescribed. If used for recreational use or without the direction of a health professional, it can be harmful. Using it as intended has the potential to cause side effects, but is rare.

Grade

C


Long answer

Depakene, or Valproic acid, is used for the treatment of mental conditions such as bipolar disorder, for the prevention of migraine headaches, and for the treatment and prevention of seizures. In the latter case, Depakene is often used in conjunction with another medication. Depakene works by restoring balance to affected neurotransmitters.

While Depakene has been proven to work, there are precautions that anyone using it should be aware of. The following people should not take Depakene: women who are pregnant or nursing, children under 2 years of age, or patients with any type of mitochondrial disease. For such people, Depakene carries a risk of causing hepatic failure which can lead to death. In the case of unborn babies whose mothers use Depakene, there is an increased risk of congenital deformities and lower IQ. Other than hepatic failure, Depakene has been shown to cause pancreatitis in rare cases. Additionally, there are possible side effects to be aware of, including – but not limited to chest pain, depression, irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing, and dizziness.

In order to prevent negative side-effects and get the maximum benefit of Depakene, it is important to take as ordered by your physician and to not skip or shuffle dosages. As a final word of caution, do not take Depakene if you are suffering from any mental duress. A doctor can always tell you if there are any alternatives that would work better for your situation.

Depakene has also been used to treat aggressive outbursts in children who have been diagnosed with ADHD.


Possible short-term side effects

  • dizziness
  • fatigue
  • rash
  • irregular heartbeat
  • itchiness

Possible long-term side effects

  • hepatotoxicity
  • pancreatitis
  • depression
  • suicidal thoughts/attempts

Possible withdrawal symptoms

  • anger
  • anxiety
  • relapse
  • depression
  • headache
  • dizziness


Benefits

  • helps prevent seizures
  • prevents migraine headaches
  • treats mania
  • treats aggressive outbursts (children)



Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016




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