Mission Connection has released a guide on Depakote (valproate), a medication commonly prescribed for epilepsy and bipolar disorder. The guide covers side effects, dosages, and safe discontinuation.
-- With over three million prescriptions in the United States, Depakote was one of the most commonly prescribed mood stabilizers in 2021. Mission Connection’s latest guide is intended to answer common questions about its uses, how long it takes to be effective, possible side effects, and how to safely discontinue the drug.
More information is available at https://missionconnectionhealthcare.com/mental-health/mood-stabilizers/depakote/
Depakote, also known as valproate, is one of the oldest anti-epileptic drugs in the U.S. First synthesized in 1882, the medication has been on the market since 1978, where it’s been used to reduce the intensity of manic episodes, help patients with bipolar disorder regulate their emotions, and alleviate seizures and migraines. Depakote works by increasing the brain’s levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that is associated with feelings of calm and relaxation and can block voltage-dependent sodium channels, which in turn suppresses high-frequency neuronal firing - bursts of electrical activity that result in seizures.
The FDA has approved Depakote for use for all the aforementioned conditions, and patients may have to take it for at least one to two weeks for noticeable effects. While the medication is effective for mood symptoms, migraines, and seizures, Mission Connection also notes that, like any long-term medication, Depakote may have side effects if used over a significant period of time.
Two common side effects include impacts to liver function and weight gain; health professionals will typically monitor the patient for these symptoms through blood tests and follow-up appointments. If Depakote is taken for months or years, it can also lead to hormone imbalances and changes in bone density or energy levels. Additionally, the medication may result in birth defects, and individuals who are planning to give birth are typically recommended to stop taking it before pregnancy.
For individuals who want to discontinue Depakote, Mission Connection says that gradual dose reduction over several weeks is required to allow the nervous system to adjust safely, minimizing the risk of withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, headaches, mood changes, or seizures. While tapering off the drug, patients should watch for returning symptoms, consider regular blood tests, and adjust the pace of their dose reduction if necessary.
Further resources and support are available at https://missionconnectionhealthcare.com/
Contact Info:
Name: Nathan Di Tomaso
Email: Send Email
Organization: Mission Connection
Address: 30310 Rancho Viejo Rd. , San Juan Capistrano, California 92675, United States
Website: https://missionconnectionhealthcare.com/
Source: PressCable
Release ID: 89175636
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