Prescription Drugs for Bipolar Disorder: Depakote

Depakote is another popular choice in treating patients with bipolar disorder. Depakote differs from the commonly prescribed drug lithium in that it is an anticonvulsant. The drug is effectively an anti-seizure medication that also has numerous benefits in treating the mania that is associated with the high phase of bipolar disorder.

The Benefits of Depakote

Patients may take Depakote in order to control particularly severe cycles of mania. Mania can include a number of characteristics varying in severity from extreme irritability to setting unattainable goals. The drug has been shown to be extremely effective and useful in treating patients who experience rapid cycling bipolar disorder. The drug may also be used in conjunction with an antidepressant or antipsychotic drug. In fact, research has shown that patients who suffer from bipolar disorder should not take antidepressants alone. If they do, these patients are more likely to become suicidal, so antidepressants should be combined with another treatment drug such as lithium or Depakote.

Side Effects of Depakote

Patients taking a course of Depakote may run the risk of developing liver inflammation, and the medicine can also play a role in decreasing the patient’s platelet counts. Since platelets are the body’s way of forming blood clots, it is important for patients to be monitored on a regular basis to ensure their platelet levels do not dip too low.

The more common side effects of Depakote include sedation, indigestion, and stomach cramps. Patients may also experience weight gain and nausea. As with lithium, a trembling sensation in the hands is also possible. Other medications doctors may prescribe instead of Depakote include Topamax and Lamictal. These drugs are usually combined with an antidepressant or other medicine designed to treat the patient’s agitation. Patients with bipolar disorder may also take another medication for insomnia or other sleeping difficulties, which can be combined with Depakote or another anticonvulsive drug.

If you experience any severe side effects, it is vital to contact your doctor immediately because you could be experiencing an overdose of Depakote. As with any medication, it is important to be aware of your body’s reactions and to report any unusual side effects to your doctor.