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Depakote and Depakote ER are prescription drugs used to treat epilepsy, migraine, and bipolar disorder. They are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are typically taken as long-term treatments. Like other drugs, Depakote and Depakote ER can cause a range of side effects, from mild to severe. These include weight gain, hair loss, tremors, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. In rare cases, Depakote may also cause tardive dyskinesia, a condition that leads to uncontrolled muscle movements, including twitching. If you experience any side effects while taking Depakote, it is important to consult your doctor or pharmacist.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can Depakote cause muscle twitches? | Yes, Depakote can cause muscle twitches, tremors, and tardive dyskinesia (uncontrolled muscle movements). |
| Brand Names | Depakote, Depakote ER |
| Active Ingredient | Divalproex sodium (DVS) |
| Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight gain, weight loss, hair loss, drowsiness, dizziness, lack of energy, depression, low platelet count, memory loss, thoughts of self-harm/suicide, liver damage, pancreatitis, headaches, infertility, blurred vision, abnormal vision, eye pain, ear pain, fever, and more. |
| Serious Side Effects | Depression, low platelet count, memory loss, thoughts of self-harm/suicide, liver damage, pancreatitis, and rare cases of tardive dyskinesia. |
| Risk Factors | Older adults (65+) may be at higher risk for certain side effects, including tremors and digestive issues. |
| Drug Interactions | Alcohol and other CNS depressants can increase side effects such as drowsiness. |
| Pregnancy | Can cause serious side effects in unborn babies, including brain, facial, heart, blood vessel, arm, leg, intelligence, and mental problems. |
| Precautions | Avoid alcohol and activities requiring alertness when starting Depakote. Use with caution in patients with mitochondrial disorders or children under 2 years old due to the risk of fatal hepatotoxicity. |
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What You'll Learn
- Depakote and Depakote ER can cause tardive dyskinesia, a condition leading to uncontrolled muscle movements
- Potential side effects include drowsiness and dizziness, especially for those over 65
- Liver damage is a possible long-term side effect
- Depakote may cause an allergic reaction called drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)
- Depakote is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential harm to the unborn baby
Depakote and Depakote ER can cause tardive dyskinesia, a condition leading to uncontrolled muscle movements
Depakote and Depakote ER are prescription drugs used to treat epilepsy, migraine, and bipolar disorder. They are typically taken as long-term treatments. Like other drugs, Depakote and Depakote ER can cause a range of mild to severe side effects.
In rare cases, Depakote and Depakote ER may cause tardive dyskinesia, a condition leading to uncontrolled muscle movements. Tardive dyskinesia usually affects the face and includes symptoms such as frowning, sticking out the tongue, lip smacking, and excessive blinking. This rare side effect was reported in clinical trials of Depakote DR tablets and Depakote ER tablets but not in clinical trials of Depakote DR sprinkle capsules.
If you experience symptoms of tardive dyskinesia while taking Depakote or Depakote ER, consult your doctor. They may prescribe medication to alleviate your symptoms or recommend an alternative drug that does not cause this side effect.
Other possible side effects of Depakote and Depakote ER include weight gain, weight loss, hair loss, tremors, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, drowsiness, dizziness, lack of energy, depression, low platelet levels, memory loss, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Some side effects may be more common or severe in older adults.
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Potential side effects include drowsiness and dizziness, especially for those over 65
Depakote and Depakote ER are prescription drugs used to treat epilepsy, migraines, and bipolar disorder. They are typically taken as long-term treatments. Like other drugs, Depakote and Depakote ER can cause side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects can range from mild to severe.
Potential side effects of Depakote include drowsiness and dizziness, especially for those over 65. This is because, as we age, our bodies may become more sensitive to the effects of certain medications. Drowsiness and dizziness can increase the risk of falls, which can lead to injuries. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals taking Depakote who experience these side effects take precautions such as clearing their floors of potential obstacles, using bright lighting in their homes, and keeping everyday items within easy reach. It is also important to inform your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects are impacting your daily activities.
Other common side effects of Depakote include digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as tremors or uncontrolled shaking. Tremors are more common in individuals over 65 and can affect a single body part, such as one hand. In rare cases, Depakote may cause tardive dyskinesia, a condition characterized by uncontrolled muscle movements, particularly in the face. This may include symptoms such as frowning, sticking out the tongue, lip smacking, and excessive blinking.
More serious side effects of Depakote may include depression, low platelet levels, memory loss, thoughts of self-harm or suicide, liver damage, and pancreatitis. It is important to seek medical advice if you experience any unusual or persistent side effects while taking Depakote.
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Liver damage is a possible long-term side effect
Depakote and Depakote ER are prescription drugs used to treat epilepsy, migraine, and bipolar disorder. They are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are typically taken as long-term treatments. Like other drugs, Depakote and Depakote ER can cause side effects, ranging from mild to severe.
Liver damage is a rare but possible long-term side effect of Depakote and Depakote ER. Hepatotoxicity, or liver toxicity, has been reported in patients receiving valproate and its derivatives, which include Depakote and Depakote ER. This side effect usually occurs during the first six months of treatment and can be fatal in some cases. Children under two years old and patients with hereditary mitochondrial disease are at a significantly increased risk of developing fatal hepatotoxicity. For these high-risk patients, valproate sodium should be used with extreme caution and only as a sole agent if clinically necessary.
It is important to be vigilant for signs of liver damage while taking Depakote or Depakote ER. Symptoms of liver damage may include abdominal or stomach pain or tenderness, clay-colored stools, dark urine, decreased appetite, fever, headache, itching, and nausea. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to consult your doctor right away. They can assess your symptoms and determine the appropriate course of action, which may include discontinuing the medication or recommending alternative treatments.
In addition to liver damage, there are other potential long-term side effects associated with Depakote and Depakote ER. These can include weight gain, weight loss, hair loss, tremors, digestive issues such as nausea and vomiting, and tardive dyskinesia, a condition that causes uncontrolled muscle movements, particularly in the face. Some people may also experience more serious side effects, such as depression, low platelet levels, memory loss, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide. It is important to be aware of these potential side effects and seek medical advice if any symptoms occur or persist.
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Depakote may cause an allergic reaction called drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)
Depakote (divalproex delayed-release [DR]) and Depakote ER (divalproex extended-release) are brand-name prescription medications. They are approved by the FDA to treat epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and migraines in adults. They can also be used to treat epilepsy in children aged 10 and older.
Like other drugs, Depakote and Depakote ER can cause side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer, become bothersome, or severe, it is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist.
One rare side effect of Depakote is an allergic reaction called drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). DRESS is a severe condition that affects the skin and other organs and can be life-threatening. It is also known as multiorgan hypersensitivity and can affect the liver, kidneys, and heart. Symptoms of DRESS include eosinophilia, which is an increased level of a specific type of white blood cell during an allergic reaction or certain infections. If you experience an allergic reaction to Depakote or Depakote ER, it is crucial to call your doctor right away as the reaction could become severe. If the symptoms feel life-threatening or like a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
In addition to DRESS, Depakote and Depakote ER can also cause other serious side effects, such as depression, low levels of platelets, memory loss, and thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Liver damage, also known as hepatotoxicity, can occur, especially within the first six months of taking the medication and in young children. It is important to be vigilant for symptoms of liver damage and to call your healthcare provider if any symptoms arise.
Other side effects of Depakote and Depakote ER include digestive problems such as nausea and vomiting, problems with fertility, and increased levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. Older adults aged 65 and older may have a higher risk of certain side effects, and doctors typically prescribe a lower dosage for this age group.
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Depakote is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential harm to the unborn baby
Depakote (divalproex delayed-release) and Depakote ER (divalproex extended-release) are prescription medications approved by the FDA to prevent migraines, treat manic episodes related to bipolar disorder, and treat epilepsy in adults and children. While these medications are effective in managing these conditions, they are not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the potential risk of harm to the unborn baby.
Valproate, the active ingredient in Depakote, has been associated with an increased risk of birth defects and adverse effects on the cognitive development of the unborn baby. Studies have shown that children exposed to valproate in utero have lower cognitive test scores and IQ levels than those exposed to other anti-seizure medications or no antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy. The risk of neural tube defects and other malformations affecting the heart, limbs, and genitals is also higher with first-trimester valproate exposure.
In addition to the cognitive risks, there are other serious side effects associated with Depakote that can occur during pregnancy. These include depression, low platelet levels, memory loss, and thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Hepatotoxicity, or liver problems, may also occur, and children born to mothers who took valproate products while pregnant may pass the drug into their breast milk, although the effects of this on developing babies are unknown.
Due to these potential risks, women of childbearing age taking Depakote should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before discontinuing the medication, as stopping valproate treatment suddenly can also cause serious health risks to both the mother and the unborn baby.
While Depakote can be a beneficial medication for managing certain conditions, it is crucial for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to carefully consider the potential risks to the unborn baby and discuss alternative treatment options with their healthcare provider.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Depakote is known to cause muscle twitches and tremors in 1-10% of people.
If you experience any side effects that bother you, it is recommended that you talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They may prescribe a different treatment for your condition.
Depakote may cause mild or serious side effects, including weight gain, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, drowsiness, dizziness, and lack of energy. In rare cases, it may also cause hallucinations, liver damage, pancreatitis, and depression.
