Patients with Liver Problems Should Be Wary of Depakote Side Effects

Abbot Park, ILPatients who may be prescribed sodium valproate and have liver problems should be sure to inform their doctor about their medical history, as their condition could lead to serious Depakote side effects.

span itemprop="image" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/ImageObject" style="display:block">Sodium valproate is prescribed for a variety of functions and is found in several different medications, according to Helium.com. The drug is typically used to treat patients who suffer from epilepsy, bipolar affective disorder and migraines. Some of the popular brands that contain sodium valproate include Epilim, Convulex, Episenta and Depakote.

In addition to reporting liver problems, female patients who might be given a drug containing sodium valproate should inform their doctor if they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Patients might also want to ensure that their doctors are monitoring their liver and pancreatic functions while on sodium valproate. If patients are suffering from markedly reduced appetite, yellowing of the skin, severe abdominal pain and nausea, it may be a symptom of a liver or pancreatic problem.

Depakote side effects include nausea, gastric irritation, weight gain and increased ammonia in the bloodstream. Also, sodium valproate can lead to an increased chance of Depakote birth defects, such as spinal bifida.