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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Depression A Side Effect Of High Levels Of Depakote In The Body?

My 24 year old son has been on Depakote ER for several years.... approx 4. In the last couple of weeks his girlfriend has noticed significant change in personality and possible severe, self injurious depression. I am wondering if he could have a toxic level of depakote in his system and what to do on a holiday weekend. Can this wait until Tuesday when his neurologist will be in the office or should we try an urgent care immediately.
Mon, 16 Oct 2017
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related doubts

I can understand your concern. Depakote or Divalproex sodium is a mood stabiliser drug. The drug is commonly used in bipolar disorder with mania for stabilisation of mood. Even the drug has great efficacy in bipolar depression.

So depression is not a side effect of Depakote in body. If you have doubts regarding its toxicity then you can get his serum VALPROATE levels done. If the levels come in normal range then no need to worry.

Consult his psychiatrist for worsening of depressive symptoms.

THANKS AND Take care
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Is Depression A Side Effect Of High Levels Of Depakote In The Body?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related doubts I can understand your concern. Depakote or Divalproex sodium is a mood stabiliser drug. The drug is commonly used in bipolar disorder with mania for stabilisation of mood. Even the drug has great efficacy in bipolar depression. So depression is not a side effect of Depakote in body. If you have doubts regarding its toxicity then you can get his serum VALPROATE levels done. If the levels come in normal range then no need to worry. Consult his psychiatrist for worsening of depressive symptoms. THANKS AND Take care