What is Depakote? Everything You Need to Know

Depakote is a widely used anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer effective in treating epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and migraines. However, it is associated with serious side effects and legal issues, making it essential to understand the implications of its use. If you or a loved one has been affected, seeking guidance from an experienced attorney near you is crucial for exploring your legal options.

Ready to Publish

Author

Link

OG Image (1200x630)

Excerpt

Meta Description

Discover everything you need to know about Depakote, including its uses, common side effects, and the legal implications surrounding its use, especially for pregnant women. If you or your child have been affected, consult an experienced attorney near you to explore your legal options and seek compensation.

Slug

personal-injury/common-personal-injury-cases-legal-implications/medical-drug-legal-issues/what-is-depakote-side-effects-lawsuits

Alt Image Text

Heroic attorney in a suit and cape stands in a courtroom beside a glowing Depakote pill bottle. Surrounding the attorney are icons for legal and medical risks: caution sign with a baby, gavel, and a medical chart. Justice scales tipped by a medical report and dollar bills represent the legal fight for fair compensation. Scene emphasizes risks of Depakote and the pursuit of justice.

Medical and Drug-Related Legal Issues

What is Depakote? Everything You Need to Know

Global Tags

Personal Injury Law

Parent item

Medical and Drug-Related Legal Issues

Sub-item

Hide in Main Feed

Post Id

589

Updated

Jan 28, 2025 08:36 PM

Featured

Hide CTA

Hide Cover

What is Depakote? Everything You Need to Know

Depakote, an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer, is used to treat conditions like epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and migraines. While effective, Depakote has been linked to serious side effects and legal challenges. This article explores Depakote's uses, side effects, and the legal landscape surrounding it.

💡 For every post in this series, scroll down to “Related Posts.”

What is Depakote?

Depakote (divalproex sodium) is known as valproic acid. It prevents the breakdown of GABA, a calming brain chemical, helping treat conditions marked by excessive brain activity. Depakote is often used with SSRIs to alleviate depression symptoms.

Common Depakote Side Effects

Depakote can cause mild side effects, including:

Nausea

Drowsiness

Diarrhea

Vomiting

Trembling

Significant weight loss

However, some patients experience severe side effects like liver damage, pancreatitis, worsening depression, and suicidal thoughts. Pregnant women taking Depakote risk birth defects in their children, such as:

Neural tube defects

Spina bifida

Cognitive impairment

Autism

In 2013, the FDA warned against Depakote use during pregnancy due to decreased IQs in children.

Depakote Lawsuits

Over three dozen lawsuits were filed in 2013 against Abbott Laboratories, Depakote's manufacturer, by families of children exposed to the drug in utero. Plaintiffs allege Abbott failed to warn about risks like spina bifida and heart defects. By 2017, over 650 lawsuits were filed.

Abbott Laboratories' Guilty Plea

Abbott faced civil and criminal allegations for misbranding Depakote. In 2012, Abbott pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and settled claims for $1.5 billion.

Does Depakote Have a Black Box Warning?

Yes, Depakote carries a black box warning for birth defects and pancreatitis, a potentially fatal inflammation of the pancreas.

How Dangerous is Depakote for Pregnant Women?

The FDA classifies Depakote as an "X" for pregnant women, indicating high risks outweigh potential benefits. Only women with severe seizure or bipolar disorders should consider it.

Are You Entitled to Compensation?

If you or your child suffered an injury from Depakote, you may recover damages, including:

Medical expenses

Future medical bills

Lost wages

Lost future income

Pain and suffering

Emotional distress

Proving liability requires demonstrating causation. An experienced product liability attorney can help.

Get Legal Help with Your Depakote Claim

If Depakote caused birth injuries or defects, you may have a claim for damages. Act quickly to protect your rights and seek fair compensation. Contact an experienced product liability attorney near you.

Conclusion

Depakote offers benefits for treating epilepsy and mood disorders but comes with risks and potential legal challenges. Understanding these aspects is crucial for anyone considering or affected by Depakote. If you experience severe side effects, seek medical attention and consult a lawyer to explore your legal options.

ReferU.AI is the only platform that leverages AI to efficiently and accurately assess each user's unique legal needs and objectively recommend attorneys based on their proven success in similar cases according to actual court records. By providing smarter results, users gain easier access to better representation and outcomes. For more information, visit ReferU.AI.