Prescription drugs sold under the brand names Depakote and Depakote ER are among the most effective treatments for various ailments. Their usage in the treatment of bipolar disease, epilepsy, and migraine headaches has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Depakote comes in three distinct dosage forms:
The following conditions may be treated with Depakote delayed-release tablets:
- Treat mania in patients with bipolar disorder.
- Help migraine sufferers avoid seizures (complex partial seizures and absence seizures) in children and persons with epilepsy aged 10 and above.
Depakote delayed-release sprinkle capsules are approved for the following uses:
- Adults and children with epilepsy aged 10 and above treat particular types of seizures (complex partial seizures and absence seizures).
Depakote ER (for bipolar disorder) extended-release pills have been approved for:
- Bipolar disorder patients should be treated for manic and mixed episodes.
- aiding adult migraine sufferers in avoiding seizures in adults and children over the age of ten (complex partial seizures and absence seizures)
Some Depakote medicines have been approved for use in these situations, but only under tight conditions. On the other hand, many people want to know whether Depakote is effective in treating anxiety. So, let’s see whether Depakote is beneficial in treating anxiety.
Depakote as Treatment for Anxiety
Anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia were not authorized as conditions for which Depakote or Depakote ER can be used to treat. It was as a consequence that there were no suggested Depakote and Depakote ER doses for these diseases. Even if other drugs have failed to alleviate anxiety symptoms, they may be taken off-label to treat the condition.
Bipolar illness manifests itself in many ways, and the fact that Depakote and Depakote ER are used to treat it suggests that they may be beneficial. Individuals who suffer from severe manic or mixed episodes may have psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations as a side effect. Individuals may experience feelings such as nervousness or sadness due to these experiences. All of these symptoms of schizophrenia may be compared to these symptoms.
Depakote Efficacy
Depakote (Divalproex sodium) seems to effectively treat panic disorder and associated mood instability in those with panic disorder. It may also be more effective when used with the primary medicine that isn’t working well for you.
Recent research appears to support this viewpoint, and it is based on a study that looked at changes in depression and anxiety symptoms. A referral tertiary care center hosted eight weeks of open trials with a varied dose regimen. The study would focus on persons with panic disorder who had not improved after completing a cognitive behavioral therapy program and using standard anti-panic medication. Tolerance to divalproex sodium may be altered to obtain blood concentrations of 300 to 600 mumol/L (45 to 90 ug/ml). Patient-reported questionnaires measured anxiety, depression, mood fluctuations, and general well-being.
Test Results: Thirteen people participated in the research, with 10 satisfying it. Two patients dropped out of the study early due to drug-related adverse effects, while another dropped out after one month of follow-up. The symptoms of despair, anxiety, and mood instability were significantly reduced in all 10 individuals. In addition, there was a statistically and clinically significant decrease in panic episodes and an improvement in general quality of life.
What are the Side Effects of Depakote?
There are always side effects to every medication, and some individuals may be more sensitive to them than others. While we’ve discussed the usefulness of Depakote in treating anxiety, it’s equally important to discuss the medication’s side effects.
With Depakote, you may have mild to severe side effects. A few of the most prevalent side effects linked with either medication are discussed in the following section. This list will mention a few examples of adverse and mild reactions.
Medications on prescription Seizures are treated with the medications Depakote and Depakote ER. It’s a good idea to discuss the possible side effects of Depakote and Depakote ER with your doctor or pharmacist before taking the medication. Additionally, they may be able to guide how to cope with any undesired side effects.
Here are some of the most common Depakote side effects:
Mild Adverse Reactions
Depakote and Depakote ER may cause mild side effects such as:
- Digestive problems include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, and indigestion.
- One symptom of a visual problem is double or blurred vision.
- thinning hair
- dizziness
- sleepiness
- inability to sleep (trouble sleeping)
- Weakness
- Memory lapses
- appetite increase or decrease
- weight gain or loss
- headache
- Tremors in the body cause coordination and walking problems.
The majority of these side effects should go away in a few days to weeks. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if they worsen or do not go away.
Negative Side Effects of Depakote
Serious side effects with Depakote and Depakote ER are rare, although they happen. If you have serious side effects, call your doctor right away. Dial 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms are life-threatening or you suspect you are in a medical emergency.
Here are some instances of significant side effects and their symptoms:
- Hyperammonemia
- Hypothermia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Allergic Reactions
- Suicidal Ideations
- Pancreatitis
- Birth Complications
Conclusion
There is still much to learn about the usefulness of Depakote in the treatment of anxiety, based on the bulk of available information and research on the topic. However, for the time being, combining Depakote with another prescription medication that isn’t functioning as well as it should is the most effective strategy.
Regardless, consulting with a doctor first will ensure that you achieve the best possible results. Because there is currently no standard dosage for Depakote, only a doctor can determine whether or not it is safe for you to take it.
To talk more about Depakote for anxiety, or talk about which treatment in Southern California is best, call Story Wellness at (866) 476-2823.
