Depakote
The drug Depakote is popular for several conditions because it has a low occurrence of side effects. There are two main types of Depakote: Depakote ER and Depakote delayed release. Depakote ER is an extended release tablet that is used for bipolar manic episodes as well as certain types of epilepsy and even impeding migraines. With the delayed release tablets, similar health conditions are treated as with the Depakote ER.

Older children and adults typically take Depakote for migraines, bipolar disorder and epilepsy, but younger people can take it too. However, the side effects can be more pronounced the younger you are. So a question of how appropriate is Depakote in the treatment of a 15 year old can be answered. The 15 year old should suffer few if any side effects on Depakote. It is the younger children like two or three years of age that might develop problems with their liver or even experience weight gain.

Speaking of Depakote and weight gain, some people do experience this and can add as much as fifteen extra pounds. However, most people can lose the weight or even prevent the gain by adopting more exercise as well as a healthy diet into their daily routine. When it comes to being pregnant on Depakote, most females have few problems and go on to have normal, healthy babies. However, you should know that Depakote is sometimes present in breast milk so breastfeeding may not be a viable option.

Depakote is a powerful yet stable drug that has helped quite a few people. However, as with all medications, there are side effects of Depakote. Some where mentioned above like the weight gain. Also Depakote side effects could include stomach upset, occasional jitters or tremors, hair loss, and behavioral changes like irritability. In addition, Depakote has been linked to osteoporosis in some people so you will probably have to take supplements to boost your calcium and vitamin D in your body. In addition, if men were tested for drugs on the job or elsewhere, Depakote in semen would be detected.

With long term usage of Depakote, it may be necessary to work on the Depakote withdrawal process. Tapering off Depakote is the best suggestion and would results in fewer side effects. Also, when talking with your doctor about Depakote, ask him about dangers and side effects of combining Depkote with Lexapro or Wellbutrin, two popular anti-depressants. Typically doctors don’t like to pair them together. However, if you have a need for an anti-depressant, you will have to be monitored to see how you react with both drugs in your body.