Depakote works by increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a natural brain chemical that stops or slows down other brain signals. Increasing GABA helps prevent the abnormal brain signals that lead to a seizure. It is also thought that Depakote may also prevent seizures by affecting sodium channels in the brain.

How to Use Brain Disease

• Depakote comes in delayed-release tablets and "sprinkle capsules."
• Depakote can be taken with or without food. If the drug upsets your stomach, try taking it with food.
• Do not crush, break, or chew Depakote tablets, as this will destroy the protective coating.
• Depakote Sprinkle capsules can be swallowed whole or can be opened and the contents sprinkled on a spoonful of soft food such as pudding or apple sauce. Do not chew the contents, as each tiny bead is delayed-release, with a special protective coating.
• Depakote should be taken at the same times each day to maintain even levels of the drug in your blood.

Cautions before Use Brain Disease

• There have been cases of liver failure caused by Depakote. Children less than two years of age are at particularly high risk. This is especially true for children with mental retardation, brain damage or disease, or certain other health problems.
• Depakote is not approved for children less than 10 years of age; and the drug should rarely be used in young children, due to the risk of liver damage.
• You should not take Depakote if you have liver disease. Also, you should not take Depakote if you have a urea cycle disorder.
• Depakote can cause pancreatitis which is inflammation of the pancreas, and thus should be avoided.
• Depakote can cause low platelets in the blood medically known as thrombocytopenia.

Brain Disease Side Effects

The side effects which may arise due to usage of Depakote are as follows:

• Shakiness
• Nausea
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Indigestion
• Blurred vision
• Nervousness
• Weight gain
• Swelling or water retention in the arms, legs, or feet
• Memory loss
• Ringing in the ears
• Increased appetite or loss of appetite
• Fever
• Emotional problems
• Weight loss

Brain Disease Reactions amd Overdose

When medicines like phenytoin or rifampin are taken together with Depakote, drug interactions may potentially occur. Among other things, these interactions may affect the level of Depakote in your blood which can increase your risk of developing side effects or decrease the effectiveness of the drug. A few other drugs that may cause Depakote interactions include carbamazepine, primidone, lamotrigine, and warfarin.

Overdose symptoms with this medicine may include drowsiness, heart block, coma, or even loss of life. Treatment for a Depakote overdose will vary depending on several factors but may include giving certain drugs or providing proper medical support.