Although Depakote is prescribed to manage seizures and bipolar disorder symptoms, long-term usage can leave patients with various health implications. For those who want to stop taking the drug, Mission Connection explores how to manage withdrawal symptoms without hospitalization.
Bipolar disorder affects roughly 37 million people worldwide. While psychotherapy remains one of the most effective treatments, experts at Mission Connection note that valproate drugs, especially Depakote, are also commonly prescribed to stabilize moods and prevent manic episodes. Usage of Depakote is relatively widespread in healthcare, with statistics by estimating that 3,442,917 individuals were prescribed the medication in 2023.
However, Depakote can cause serious side effects over the long term, prompting many patients to discontinue the drug once they are able to manage their condition independently.
Divalproex sodium, marketed as Depakote, is primarily used for managing mood symptoms and manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. It is known to be one of the most effective epilepsy medications and may be recommended by physicians to manage certain seizure disorders; it may also be prescribed to adults who frequently suffer from migraines.
While it is helpful over the short term, prolonged usage can affect other parts of the body, with the most common side effects being:
The medication may also increase the risk of severe birth defects during pregnancy.
Because of the aforementioned side effects, patients may wish to discontinue the medication, but doing so without professional guidance can be dangerous.
FDA guidelines state that divalproex sodium should not be stopped suddenly because of severe withdrawal symptoms, including:
Another significant risk is status epilepticus, a neurological emergency involving continuous, life-threatening seizures.
Experts say that it’s safer to gradually taper off Depakote to allow the body to adjust safely to decreasing amounts in the system.
When stopping Depakote, health professionals recommend a medically supervised dose reduction over a set period of time.
One common strategy involves decreasing the dose by approximately 25% every one to two weeks, but the specific plan will differ on an individual basis and depends on:
Some research suggests a gradual reduction over two to four weeks, while other guidelines recommend a slower approach to allow the brain to adapt.
Regardless of the medication management plan, advises patients to watch for signs of withdrawal or symptom recurrence and adjust dosage reductions accordingly. If the individual was initially taking a high dose of Depakote, they may also benefit from periodic lab tests to ensure their organs are functioning properly.
