1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Headaches & Migraines

From Teri Robert, About.com Guide

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

DepakoteŽ, Depakote ERŽ

Potential side effects:

For patients with diabetes: Depakote may interfere with urine tests for ketones and give false-positive results.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

  • abdominal or stomach cramps (severe)
  • behavioral, mood, or mental changes
  • continuous, uncontrolled back-and-forth and/or rolling eye movements
  • double vision
  • increase in seizures
  • nausea or vomiting (continuing)
  • spots before eyes
  • swelling of face
  • tiredness and weakness
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects may occur that don't usually require medical attention. They may dissipate as your body adjusts to the medication. However, consult your doctor if any of the following continue or are bothersome or worrisome:

  • abdominal or stomach cramps (mild)
  • change in menstrual periods
  • diarrhea
  • hair loss
  • indigestion
  • loss of appetite
  • nausea and vomiting
  • trembling of hands and arms
  • unusual weight loss or gain
  • clumsiness or unsteadiness
  • constipation
  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • headache
  • skin rash
  • unusual excitement, restlessness, or irritability

Brand Names:

  • U.S.: Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkle
  • Canada: Epival

More Information:


Teri Robert
Guide since 2000

Teri Robert
Headaches / Migraine Guide

Explore Headaches & Migraines
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Headaches & Migraines

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.