--- title: "Patient Education: Valporate (Depakote)" description: Learn about Valporate (Depakote), its uses, possible side effects, and crucial precautions for treating specific mental health conditions in children and adolescents. image: https://blog.mindweal.com/hubfs/21.png --- [![mw-logo-svg-1](https://blog.mindweal.com/hubfs/mw-logo-svg-1.svg "mw-logo-svg-1")](http://mindweal.com) - Our Care - Who we are - Our team - Our partners - Locations - Resources - Contact us - Login Sign up now [![mw-logo-mobile-svg](https://blog.mindweal.com/hubfs/mw-logo-mobile-svg.svg "mw-logo-mobile-svg")](http://mindweal.com) Sign up now [![mw-logo-svg-1](https://blog.mindweal.com/hubfs/mw-logo-svg-1.svg "mw-logo-svg-1")](http://mindweal.com) - Our Care - Who we are - Our team - Our partners - Locations - Resources - Contact us - Login Sign up now [![mw-logo-mobile-svg](https://blog.mindweal.com/hubfs/mw-logo-mobile-svg.svg "mw-logo-mobile-svg")](http://mindweal.com) Sign up now - Our Care - [Clinical Services](https://www.mindweal.com/clinical-services/) - [Advanced Testing](https://www.mindweal.com/advanced-testing/) - [How it Works?](https://www.mindweal.com/how-it-works/) - [Pricing](https://www.mindweal.com/pricing/) - [FAQs](https://www.mindweal.com/faq/) - Who we are - [About us](https://www.mindweal.com/about-us/) - [Our approach](https://www.mindweal.com/our-approach/) - [Our story](https://www.mindweal.com/our-story/) - Our team - [Meet our experts](https://www.mindweal.com/meet-our-experts/) - [Work with us](https://www.mindweal.com/work-with-us/) - [Refer to us](https://www.mindweal.com/refer-to-us/) - Our partners - [Physicians](https://www.mindweal.com/partners-physicians/) - [Counselors](https://www.mindweal.com/partners-counselors/) - [Health plans](https://www.mindweal.com/partners-health-plans/) - [Hospitals](https://www.mindweal.com/partners-hospitals/) - Locations - [Maryville](https://www.mindweal.com/maryville/) - [Hinsdale](https://www.mindweal.com/hinsdale/) - [Naperville](https://www.mindweal.com/naperville/) - [Marion](https://www.mindweal.com/marion/) - Resources - [Blog](https://blog.mindweal.com/blog) - [Events](https://www.mindweal.com/coming-soon/) - [Contact us](https://www.mindweal.com/contact-us/) Login #### Our care ![our-care-megamenu-2](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/our-care-megamenu-2.png?width=179&height=153&name=our-care-megamenu-2.png)   - ###### [Clinical Services](https://www.mindweal.com/clinical-services/) Discover our scientifically-supported clinical services that our members rely on and trust  [![megamenu-arrow](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/megamenu-arrow.png?width=10&height=8&name=megamenu-arrow.png)](https://www.mindweal.com/clinical-services/) - ###### [Advanced Testing](https://www.mindweal.com/clinical-services/) Explore our suite of tests enhancing our clinical services for better diagnosis and more targeted treatment plans [![megamenu-arrow](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/megamenu-arrow.png?width=10&height=8&name=megamenu-arrow.png)](https://www.mindweal.com/advanced-testing/)   - ###### [How it Works?](https://www.mindweal.com/pricing/) Navigate the journey: Our dedicated mental health care for members  [![megamenu-arrow](https://www.mindweal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/megamenu-arrow.png)](https://www.mindweal.com/advanced-testing/) - ###### [Pricing](https://www.mindweal.com/pricing/) Explore our cost-effective plans tailored to your needs. [![megamenu-arrow](https://www.mindweal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/megamenu-arrow.png)](https://www.mindweal.com/pricing/) - ###### [FAQs](https://www.mindweal.com/faq/) Questions in mind? 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While effective, all medications have potential side effects. It's crucial to be informed about these risks and benefits. It's also important to understand strategies to reduce their occurrence or manage them effectively. It's vital to know when to contact your healthcare provider or seek immediate medical attention. This guide aims to empower you with this knowledge, ensuring a well-informed approach to your child's treatment. If you are still unsure, always reach out to your healthcare provider for further guidance. ![Group-9747](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Group-9747.png?width=56&height=50&name=Group-9747.png) ## What is Valporate? ![divider](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/divider.png?width=120&height=5&name=divider.png) Valporate belongs to a class of medications known as mood stabilizers. It helps balance brain chemicals, alters neuronal sodium transport, reduces overactive signals, and protects brain cells to prevent extreme mood swings. ### **![IMAGE-36-553x1024-1](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMAGE-36-553x1024-1.png?width=309&height=572&name=IMAGE-36-553x1024-1.png)** ### **When is Valporate prescribed to Children & Adolescents? ** Your doctor may prescribe Valporate for:  - Bipolar disorder - Acute Mania - Behavioral disturbances or Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (also known as DMDD) - Seizure disorder  ### **What is the Dose of Valporate?** - The dose typically ranges from 500 to 2000 mg per day, divided into 2-3 doses. - Treatment usually starts at a low dose, gradually increasing to find the effective dose. ## ![afterHourCRisis (1)](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/afterHourCRisis%20(1).png?width=70&height=71&name=afterHourCRisis%20(1).png) ## **What can be the possible** ## **side-effects from the medication?** Common Side-Effects Less Common Side-Effects Your child may experience some side effects from the medication initially. Several of these side effects are mild and improve over time. The medication is started at a low dose to minimize these side effects. If side effects persist, consult your healthcare provider. - **Nausea, Vomiting, Indigestion, Diarrhea, Belly aches:** - - Started at a low dose to minimize these side-effects. - Contact your provider if persistent. Switching to a different form of Depakote, called Divalproex, may help.   - **Headache: ** - - May happen initially but usually improves over time.  - Consult with your provider if persistent. Reducing the dosage may help.  - **Fatigue, Drowsiness, Dizziness:** - - Start at a low dose to minimize effects. - Stand up slowly from sitting or lying down to reduce dizziness. - Consult your provider if these symptoms persist. Dose reduction might be needed. - **Hair loss: ** - - Consult with your provider if you notice this side-effect. A change in medication might be necessary.  - **Easy bruising** - - Happens due to low platelet count.  - - **Risk factors:** females, high doses, older adults  - - **Management:** Consult with your provider if you notice this side-effect. They may need to check your platelet count with a lab test. Depending on the results, a dose reduction or a change in medication might be necessary. - **Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in females:** - **Prevention:** women on valproate should have regular check-ups with their healthcare provider to monitor for symptoms of PCOS.  - **Risk factors:** younger women, particularly those in their reproductive years. - **Symptoms:** irregular menstrual cycles or no periods at all, excess hair growth on the face and body, acne, weight gain, thinning hair or hair loss on the scalp, difficulty getting pregnant - **Management:** if you notice symptoms of PCOS, contact your provider. A medication switch will be required.  - **Tremor: ** - - - **Risk Factors:** Higher doses, use of multiple antiseizure medications  - **Management:** Consult your provider, dose reduction may be required. - **Increased appetite and weight gain:** - - Regular monitoring of weight, waist size, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol is required. - Monitor your child’s diet and inform your doctor of significant weight gain.   ### ![Group-10151](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Group-10151.png?width=84&height=79&name=Group-10151.png) ## Serious but Rare Side-Effects   **![IMAGE-37-553x1024](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMAGE-37-553x1024.png?width=417&height=772&name=IMAGE-37-553x1024.png)**   **Increase Blood Ammonia levels: ** - Symptoms:confusion with drowsiness, changes in level of consciousness.  - Risk factors:high doses, concurrent use of some medications like antipsychotics & topiramate  - Management:If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately or seek immediate attention at the nearest emergency room. **Hepatotoxicity:**  - Prevention: Liver function is monitored closely through regular blood tests. Elevated liver enzymes might occur without causing liver problems, but it's important to keep an eye on them. - Symptoms:yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, severe fatigue, abdominal pain (especially on the right side), loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting - Risk factors:age less than 2 years, seizure disorder, use of multiple antiseizure medications, presence of a neurologic disease in addition to epilepsy.  - Management:If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above seek immediate attention at the nearest emergency room.  **Pancreatitis: ** - Symptoms:sudden onset of abdominal pain, vomiting  - Management: If you notice these symptoms mentioned above, seek immediate attention at the nearest emergency room. # WARNING   **Pregnancy:** If you become pregnant while taking this medication, there is a risk that your baby might have serious birth defects. These can include problems with the brain and spine (neural tube defects), lower intelligence, developmental delays, facial defects, heart defects, issues with the urinary opening in boys (hypospadias), and problems with arms and legs. It is very important to talk to your healthcare provider if you are planning to become pregnant or if you become pregnant while taking this medication.     To learn more about this medication please visit MedlinePlus, a official US government website, part of National Library of Medicine and managed by National Institute of Health by clicking [HERE](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682412.html)     ## Similar posts lithium ##### [Patient Education: Lithium](https://blog.mindweal.com/blog/patient-education-lithium) Valporate is prescribed by your healthcare provider based on current guidelines to address specific mental health ... Dr. Rahul Bansal Nov 21, 2024 Lurasidone ##### [Patient Education: Lurasidone (Latuda)](https://blog.mindweal.com/blog/patient-education-lurasidone) Valporate is prescribed by your healthcare provider based on current guidelines to address specific mental health ... Dr. Rahul Bansal Oct 28, 2024 MD10001335356 ##### [Patient Education: Ziprasidone (Geodon)](https://blog.mindweal.com/blog/patient-education-ziprasidone) Valporate is prescribed by your healthcare provider based on current guidelines to address specific mental health ... 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