Depakote

Many lawsuits involving the drug Depakote involve the effects of the toxic chemical semisodium valproate.  Semisodium valproate is a compound of sodium valproate and valproic acid. Depakote is sold under the brand names Depakene, Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkle, and by the names divalproex sodium and valproate sodium. In the United States, Depakote is most commonly prescribed for psychiatric conditions like manic depressive disorder (bipolar disorder), and to prevent migraine headaches. In the United Kingdom, a similar sodium valproate drug called Epilim is being prescribed for the treatment of epilepsy. Both drugs have proven to be very dangerous and are currently the subject of multiple class action lawsuits.

Valproic may cause severe, life-threatening damage to the liver, pancreas, and serious birth defects. Valproic acid is particularly dangerous for young children and when being taken with other seizure medications. Depakote has been known to be fatal for people with liver problems and cause hemorrhagic pancreatitis within the first six months of treatment in both children and adults. Depakote has been known to be fatal for people with liver problems and cause hemorrhagic pancreatitis within the first six months of treatment in both children and adults. These and other serious conditions have been known to develop as soon as symptoms start to set in, which makes diagnosis and treatment that much harder. Depakote does not have much competition from generic drug makers. The manufacturer of Depakote, Abbot Laboratories, was able to win a legal battle against generic manufacturers Abbot Laboratories accused of patent infringement when attempting to market a generic version of Depakote.

Despite being recognized as a potentially dangerous drug by many medical professionals, and despite the class action lawsuits, Depakote continues to be prescribed as a treatment for bipolar mania, migraines, and epilepsy. Anyone who has taken Depakote has a loved one who has taken Depakote, or is considering Depakote should be aware of the potential side-effects and dangerous symptoms.

The use of Depakote can lead to:

• Serious, life-threatening liver damage
• Serious, life-threatening damage to the pancreas
• Severe birth defects such as, cleft palate, Spina Bifida, and other developmental disabilities

Some other negative side effects may include:

• Lack of energy
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Confusion and erratic thinking
• Mood swings
• Memory loss
• Tremors
• Vision problems
• Hearing a ringing in the ears
• Runny or stuffed nose
• Hair loss
• Sudden weight changes
• Constipation and diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Loss of appetite

Symptoms include:

• Excessive drowsiness
• Lack of energy
• Feeling weak
• Stomach pains
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Unusual bruises or bleeding
• Fever
• Blisters, hives, or a rash
• Itchiness
• Confusion
• Depression and suicidal thoughts
• Difficulty breathing and swallowing

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