Introduction
You may have heard of medications such as Latuda, Lithium, and Abilify. These are all types of medications used to treat Bipolar Disorder. However, there is another type of medication used to treat Bipolar Disorder. It is called Depakote. This article will provide the reader with information about Depakote. It will provide the reader with information on how Depakote enables individuals’ symptoms with Bipolar Disorder to become manageable. It will also provide the reader with the side effects of Depakote.
How Does Depakote Work?
You’ve heard about how other medications for Bipolar work. However, you may be wondering how does Depakote work. According to everydayhealth.com, “Depakote is the brand name for divalproex sodium (also known as valproic acid), an anti-seizure drug used to treat epilepsy, some mood disorders (like bipolar disorder), and migraine headaches. It’s thought to work by increasing the amount (or mimicking the action) of a neurotransmitter, GABA, in the brain, but the exact mechanism is unknown. Restoring the natural balance of chemicals in the brain is also believed to help lessen the severe mood swings associated with bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic depression).” With that said, even though Depakote can be used to help manage seizures, it can also be used to treat Bipolar Disorder, by restoring the natural balance of chemicals in the brain to help manage the mood swings associated with Bipolar Disorder.
What Are The Side Effects Of Depakote?
In addition to describing how Depakote works to treat Bipolar Disorder, I will also describe the side effects associated with Depakote. According to everydayhealth.com, the following side effects can occur with Bipolar Disorder:
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Blurred or double vision
- Memory impairment
- Ringing in the ears
- Shakiness or unsteadiness (tremors)
- Somnolence (excessive sleepiness)
- Hair loss
- Irregular or painful menstrual periods
- Weight gain
Also, on a further note, contact your doctor if you experience depression that is getting worse or thoughts of suicide.
Conclusion
This article has provided the reader with information about the medication to treat Bipolar Disorder known as Depakote. This article has provided information on how Depakote is used to treat the symptoms associated with Bipolar Disorder. Also, it is important to note, in this article I have mentioned the side effects associated with the medication called Depakote. If you experience any of the above side effects associated with Depakote, immediately contact a licensed physician before making any further decisions. Do not be afraid to talk to your doctor. They are there to help.