Depakote Depakote. Review

Depakote - divalproex sodium - is taken orally in tablet form once a day. You must swallow this tablet whole - never crush it.

My doactor prescribed it for migraine prevention, pain relief if I get a migraine anyway and because she thought it would help me sleep. It took a while to get into my system - Depakote is not a fast acting drug. After four weeks I was feeling markedly better. I was getting fewer migraines even though they were as painful as ever when I did get them. I was much calmer. I have taken Depakote for 18 months and I have not experienced any side effects. It really worked well for me.

But as I looked at the enclosure that every pharmacy is required to provide, I found that there were many side effects - some minor but some very serious.

The minor side effects include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and an increased appetite.

The major side effects include liver damage and severe damage to your pancreas. If you are pregnant tell your doctor because it would be dangerous. Tell your doctor if you have ever had liver problems.

Discuss all this with your doctor before you and he/she decide whether you should take it. This drug is effective but if you are predisposed to liver or pancreas problems, Depakote is probably not the medication for you.