Depakote and Bipolar Disorder

Every single day, you can see many people planning to and from drugstores. Different medicines are acclimatized to address different types of illnesses and diseases. You will find over-the-counter medicines that one may buy with no prescriptions. However, many regulated drugs need the appropriate prescription one which just purchase them.



Not all illnesses could be given virtually any medicine. Different conditions require various kinds of treatment and medications. Just to make sure that you're on the safe side, consult a physician before taking any medication. You must take note given that you can find individuals that abuse certain drugs, which can result in unwelcome situations. And if you're suffering from bipolar disorder, everything you really need may be the help of a medical expert who knows a good deal concerning the disease.



There are many medications designed for bipolar disorder. The most common are mood stabilizers. Valproic acid is normally directed at bipolar patients, and there are a few manufacturers that sell this medication including Depakene and Depakote.



Depakote is just a manufacturer of valproic acid. It's considered an anticonvulsant that doctors often prescribe as mood stabilizers for bipolar patients. Valproic acid is just a very effective medication for bipolar, nevertheless , it has certain negative effects like divalproex sodium.



The side effects can be divided in to the most popular ones and the less common. Whatever the case, you ought to always verify with the medical practitioner particularly when the side effects are bothersome and continues on.



Common Negative effects

- Mild stomach or abdominal cramps

- Diarrhea

- Change in your period - Indigestion

- Loss of hair and appetite

- Nausea

- Vomiting

- Unusual weight gain or loss

- Trembling of arms and hands



Less Common



- Unsteadiness or clumsiness

- Constipation

- Drowsiness and dizziness

- Changes in mood, behavior, and mental

- Headache

- Skin rash

- Restlessness

- Unusual excitement

- Irritability

- Uncontrolled eye movements

- Increased seizures

- Weakness and tiredness

- Eye spots or yellow eyes (and skin)

- Bruising and unusual bleeding

- Swelling of the face



The list only includes the absolute most commonly experienced negative effects of bipolar patients. Should you feel other negative effects not included in the list, then you definitely must inform your medical professional straight away.



Pharmacology



Depakote or valproic acid advances the brain concentration of GABA or gamma aminobutyric acid thereby acting as an anticonvulsant. But its action mechanism just isn't yet established and the effect is also unknown according to the neuronal membrane.



Depakote is administered orally and is rapidly absorbed. Just one dose can give peak quantities of serum after four hours, and its half-life ranges from 6-16 hours. Patients taking antiepileptic drugs along with Depakote may have a lowered serum half-life.



If Depakote is administered amid meals, a small delay can happen in the absorption of the valproic acid, and is quickly distributed within the body as it is bound strongly to plasma proteins. Protein binding might be decreased by increasing the dose. If Depakote has to be properly used as a therapeutic drug, the concentration must only be about 50-100 mcg per ml. At present, good correlation between serum levels, therapeutic effect, and daily dose, is yet to be established.



The treatment must be instituted at periodic intervals initially because there were reports about platelet aggregation and thrombocytopenia inhibition. The bleeding time and platelet counts also needs to be determined.



Whenever your physician prescribes Depakote, you must follow all guidelines pertaining to dosage and administration carefully. This is essential to avoid over dosage. Some patients ended in coma with the improper usage of valproic acid. Since valproic acid is rapidly absorbed, there could be limited value of gastric lavage. Supportive measure must be put on prevent hypovolemia and ensure that your urinary output is maintained.



Bipolar disorder requires medication within the treatment. Valproic acid is one of the many medications approved for bipolar disorder. With the right dosage, this can reduce bipolar symptoms, prevent episodes from occurring, shorten hospitalizations, and help the individual in living a productive life despite his condition.



Over time, bipolar disorder exposes visitors to mood changes that may reach the idea of unacceptability in the society. But with proper treatment and medication, bipolar patients can lead rewarding lives.