Is Depakote FDA approved?
Depakote got approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1983, when it was approved to treat epilepsy. In 1995, it received FDA-approval to be used for bipolar disorder, and Depakote was used for migraine prevention by 1996.
Is Depakote FDA approved for bipolar?
Depakote is a medication known as an anticonvulsant that is used to treat the manic symptoms of bipolar disorder. It is also used to treat seizures and prevent migraine headaches. When did the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approve the medication? Depakote was first approved by the FDA in 1996.
Can you get pregnant on Depakote?
A: Women taking Depakote should talk to their doctor if they are planning to get pregnant or become pregnant while taking the medication. DO NOT TAKE Depakote for the prevention of migraine headaches if you are pregnant.
When was Depakote approved by the FDA?
Approval Date: 12/20/2002.
Can Depakote be taken during pregnancy?
Depakote and Pregnancy Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant should not take Depakote. Depakote and Depakote ER have the potential to cause birth defects. These include neural-tube defects and other risks of fetal harm, such as lower intelligence.
What is the safest anticonvulsant drug?
“[Lamictal] seems to be the winner,” Marson says. The second trial looked at 716 patients newly diagnosed with generalized epilepsy. It compared the older drug valproic acid (in the U.S., Depakote is the most popular member of this drug family) to Lamictal and Topamax.
Can you take anti seizure meds while pregnant?
Fact: You can. In fact, neurologists usually recommend continuing epilepsy medications throughout pregnancy. However, it comes down to the type of medication. You may need to adjust your dosage or switch to a new drug, but you probably won’t need to stop medication altogether.
Is there a black box warning on Depakote?
Depakote carries a black box warning regarding the potential birth defects discussed above. In addition, Depakote carries a boxed warning related to the risk of pancreatitis, an inflammation in the pancreas that causes painful bleeding and may even lead to death if left untreated.
What if I get pregnant on Depakote?
If you take Depakote during pregnancy for any medical condition, your baby is at risk for serious birth defects. The most common birth defects with Depakote affect the brain and spinal cord and are called spina bifida or neural tube defects.
Is Depakote save to be one when pregnant?
Depakote ® ( divalproex sodium) may not be safe for women who are pregnant, depending on the condition being treated and the severity of the condition. In previous studies that looked at the effects of Depakote during pregnancy, the drug caused birth defects and other problems.
What impact does Depakote have when taking it?
Depakote taken along with topiramate causes hyperammonemia by increasing the level of ammonia in the blood. In mild cases of hyperammonemia, symptoms may be absent, but in severe cases, it may cause lethargy, mental changes, and vomiting . The doctor may monitor your condition and adjust the dosage as needed.
Is it okay to take Depakote ER while pregnant?
Many studies have shown that Depakote may cause severe birth defects in humans. Pregnant women should not take Depakote unless absolutely necessary. However, uncontrolled epilepsy can also be dangerous to both a pregnant woman and the fetus.
What are the signs of a Depakote& overdose?
Some commonly reported symptoms of an overdose with Depakote include: Drowsiness Heart block (a problem with the electrical system of the heart) Coma Loss of life.