Warning

• The first thing someone needs to know about using Depakote is that it can result in very serious liver damage in some individuals, with it sometimes being fatal in this regard. The first 6 months of using Depakote is when the symptoms of this problem usually occur. Children that are younger than 2 are the most susceptible to this Depakote side effect, even more so when they are taking anticonvulsant drugs and have such problems as mental retardation. The older a person is the less chance of Depakote causing this liver damage.
  
  

Significance

• The signs of possible liver damage from Depakote include a general feeling of drowsiness and weakness. Someone with this side effect may become dizzy and experience swelling in the face and a yellowing of the eyes and skin known as jaundice. This is a classic sign of something being wrong with the liver. Vomiting and a loss of wanting to eat can also be a sign of this Depakote effect. Depakote has also been linked to pancreatic damage. This has the potential to show up even if someone has been taking Depakote with no problems for years. Such symptoms as pain in the abdomen and nausea are often indicative of pancreas troubles.
  
  

Effects

• Individuals that are prescribed Depakote normally are also on other medications for their epilepsy or manic depression so it is often hard to pinpoint where any side effects are stemming from. Some of the more common side effects of Depakote are diarrhea and dizziness. Trouble sleeping can occur and there can be a ringing in the ears called tinnitus. Sore throat and nasal inflammation can happen as well as constipation.
  
  

Types

• Less seen side effects from Depakote usage include a constant rolling of the eyes- an involuntary movement of the eyes in which they go back and forth. There can be changes in a person's mood or behavior attributable to Depakote side effects and in some cases there can be an increase in the number of seizures in epilepsy patients. Vision problems and stomach cramps can also manifest themselves in some instances.
  
  

Expert Insight

• Depakote has the ability to upset a person's stomach if it is chewed or crushed before taken. It comes with a protective coating designed to keep this from happening, so Depakote should be swallowed whole with water. When the capsule form of Depakote is prescribed it should be swallowed whole with water or taken apart and sprinkled onto something soft and edible such as pudding. It can then be swallowed quickly. If someone misses a dose of Depakote they should never "double up" or take 2 doses at once.