Why does depakote make you sleepy

Life threatening pancreatitis has been reported in children and adults who take valproate. Signs of pancreatitis include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and inability to keep food down. Last Updated: January This information is being provided as a community outreach effort of the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists. This information is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice.

This information contains a summary of important points and is not an exhaustive review of information about the medication. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding medications or medical conditions. Never delay seeking professional medical advice or disregard medical professional advice as a result of any information provided herein.

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Symptoms of your condition that bother you the most If you have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself Medications you have taken in the past for your condition, whether they were effective or caused any adverse effects If you experience side effects from your medications, discuss them with your provider.

Some side effects may pass with time, but others may require changes in the medication. Any other psychiatric or medical problems you have All other medications you are currently taking including over the counter products, herbal and nutritional supplements and any medication allergies you have Other non-medication treatment you are receiving, such as talk therapy or substance abuse treatment. Or have any issues with weight gain. Do discuss this when you meet up with your neurologist coz the same drug can affect different people in different ways.

My daughter has been taking it for almost a year now. She has seemed very low energy on the med. But her Neuro seems to think that it is the "wonder drug" for children so we are still trying it. My brother has been taking it since he was 3. The doctor advises him for a lot of sleep, and cautions him about the lack of sleep, but I don't think you get too sleepy by taking depakote.

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This rebate form is not available to individuals who are paying cash for their prescription or who are receiving prescription reimbursement under a state or federally funded insurance program. Important Safety Information Prescribing Information. Home Depakote FAQs. Depakote frequently asked questions. Q: What are the most common side effects experienced with Depakote? Q: Does Depakote have serious side effects?

A: The following serious side effects are associated with Depakote: Serious liver damage that can cause death , especially in children younger than 2 years old. Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: Nausea or vomiting that does not go away Loss of appetite Pain on the right side of your stomach abdomen Dark urine Swelling of your face Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes Inflammation of your pancreas that can cause death.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms: Severe stomach pain that you may also feel in your back Nausea or vomiting that does not go away Taking Depakote during pregnancy can harm your unborn baby; increasing the risk of serious birth defects [e. Call a healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you: Thoughts about suicide or dying Attempts to commit suicide New or worse depression New or worse anxiety Feeling agitated or restless Panic attacks Trouble sleeping insomnia New or worse irritability Acting aggressive, being angry, or violent Acting on dangerous impulses An extreme increase in activity and talking mania Other unusual changes in behavior or mood Overall, pay attention to any symptom changes, especially sudden changes in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings.

Q: Should I be concerned about weight gain? Q: What about women who are planning a pregnancy or become pregnant while taking Depakote? If you take Depakote during pregnancy for any medical condition, your baby is at risk for serious birth defects. The most common birth defects with Depakote affect the brain and spinal cord and are called spina bifida or neural tube defects.

These defects occur in 1 to 2 out of every babies born to mothers who use this medicine during pregnancy. These defects can begin in the first month, even before you know you are pregnant. Other birth defects can happen.

Birth defects may occur even in children born to women who are not taking any medicines and do not have other risk factors. Taking folic acid supplements before getting pregnant and during early pregnancy may lower the chance of having a baby with a neural tube defect.

If you take Depakote during pregnancy for any medical condition, your child is at risk for having a lower IQ. There may be other medicines to treat your condition that have a lower chance of birth defects.

All women of child-bearing age should talk to their healthcare provider about using other possible treatments instead of Depakote. If the decision is made to use Depakote, you should use effective birth control contraception.

Discuss birth control methods with your doctor. Q: Does Depakote interact with oral contraceptives? Q: Does Depakote interact with other medications?