Why is this drug prescribed?

Depakote tablets contain the active ingredient valproate semisodium, which is is a type of drug called a mood stabiliser. It is used to treat the manic phase of a psychiatric illness known as bipolar affective disorder, or manic depression. Valproate semisodium is another form of the antiepileptic drug, sodium valproate. Sodium valproate is also used as a mood stabiliser, but is unlicensed for this purpose. Valproate semisodium is a form of sodium valproate that is licensed for use as a mood stabiliser. Both can be known simply as valproate. People with bipolar affective disorder suffer from abnormal mood swings, which range from episodes of abnormally high mood to episodes of abnormally low mood. Valproate semisodium works as a mood stabiliser by increasing the amount of a natural nerve calming chemical in the brain called GABA. The brain and nerves are made up of thousands of nerve cells that communicate with each other through electrical signals. These signals must be carefully regulated for the brain and nerves to function properly. When abnormally rapid and repetitive electrical signals are released in the brain, it becomes over-stimulated and normal function is disturbed. The nerve activity is normally kept in balance by a natural chemical in the brain called GABA. When GABA is released in the brain it acts as a natural calming agent. Once GABA is broken down in the brain, it can no longer act on the nerves. When only small amounts of GABA are present, the brain may become 'overexcited'. Valproate semisodium prevents the breakdown of GABA in the brain. This enables more GABA to be available to calm nerve cells for a longer period of time. By calming the nerve cells, valproate semisodium prevents excessively rapid and repetitive firing of electrical signals. This stabilises the electrical nerve activity in the brain and is thought to explain how valproate semisodium calms periods of mania. In addition to treating manic episodes, valproate semisodium is prescribed by specialists as a maintenance treatment to help stabilise mood and prevent episodes of ill health, though this is an unlicensed use of the drug.

Treatments

* Treatment of manic episodes of bipolar affective disorder * As a mood stabiliser in bipolar affective disorder to help prevent episodes of mania or depression.

What side effects can this drug cause?

* Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain * Increased appetite and weight gain * Decrease in the number of platelets in the blood * Temporary hair loss - regrowth may be curly * Increased alertness * Aggression * Hyperactivity * Shaky movements and unsteady walk * Tremor * Inflammation of blood vessels * Drowsiness * Confusion * Liver disorders * Irregular or stopping of menstrual periods * Skin rashes * Anaemia * Decreased numbers of white blood cells in the blood * Acne * Increased hair growth * Inflammation of the pancreas