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Depakote use in bipolar disorder

Depakote use for treating manic episodes in bipolar disorder is well established.

Depakote use is a well established amongst bipolar medications.

"Depakote" is a brand name - the actual drug is valproic acid. The generic name for this med is divalproex.

There is a long history of Depakote use as a first line mood stabilizer, second only to lithium. Clinical research indicates that benefits usually outweigh any potential harms.

Depakote is commonly regarded as a "mood stabilizer".BUT NOTE: it is ONLY FDA approved for mania, NOT for depression.

According to Dr Jim Phelps, Depakote is a good choice if you:

"(1) Need something strong and fast.
(2) Male, and not afraid of weight gain.
(3) Rapid cycling.

(4) Significant manic symptoms."

Depakote medicine facts

In the US, the FDA has approved Depakote use in treating:

1. Mania in bipolar disorder

2. Epilepsy

3. Migraine.

Depakote is produced by US pharma giant Abbott Laboratories.

Women seem to suffer more side effects than men, perhaps because of the effect of Depakote on the female hormone estrogen. Watch out for constipation, hair loss, sleepiness, and weight gain (although there are others).

Beat Depakote weight gain with The Bipolar Diet

One of the most important implications is that Depakote creates a risk of birth defects and MUST NOT be used by pregnant women.

NIMH also provide this important warning:

“Valproic acid may increase levels of testosterone (a male hormone) in teenage girls and lead to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women who begin taking the medication before age 20. This condition can cause obesity, excess body hair, disruptions in the menstrual cycle, and other serious symptoms. Young girls and women taking valproic acid should be monitored carefully by a doctor.” (From the National Institute of Mental Health)

Depakote medicine facts

Have fun with Depakote sprinkles

Depakote use can be made easier through Depakote sprinkles.

Depakote tablets can be a little like horse pills. Big and scary looking, and hard to swallow.

There is a novel solution for this - a capsule you break open to use the "sprinkles" inside.

The sprinkles truly can be FUN! For responsible adults, they mix well with low fat yoghurt or cottage cheese.

For kids (or irresponsible adults), the sprinkles can go into instant pudding, applesauce, or on a banana split or other ice cream sundae.

With so many bipolar medications, you may be wondering why only Depakote comes in "sprinkles"? The answer - Depakote is first and foremost an epilepsy drug. Kids with epilepsy need medication from when they are very young, and sprinkles may be the only thing they will eat :)

There are serious issues with Depakote side effects, its lack of efficacy in treating depression or preventing suicide, and its unsuitability for many women and especially young women.

However, it does start apart as one bipolar medication you can actually have fun with.

More facts on Depakote sprinkles

User reviews of Depakote medicine for bipolar disorder

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