Depakote Bipolar Treatment

Depakote also known as Valproate Semisodium is a prescription drug manufactured by Abbott Laboratories. Abbott Laboratories headquarters are located in Abbott Park, Illinois. Abbott Laboratories is also responsible for creating the first HIV screening test in 1985. They are also responsible for the rheumatoid arthritis drug, Humira,an HIV treatment known as Norvir, and for the dietary supplement, Ensure.

Depakote is a drug used to treat bipolar disorder specifically the manic phase of the disorder. Depakote has also been used successfully during depressive and manic phases of bipolar disorder in rapid cycling individuals. Some individuals who are epileptic or have severe migraines also use Depakote during their course of treatment.

Depakote is a medicine made up of sodium valproate and valproic acid. Before Depakote XR was released to the public many of the individuals who took this medicine had to take several pills daily. Depakote XR allows the consumer to take a convenient single daily dose. Before, the invention of the brand Depakote, valproic acid alone was used to treat psychiatric disorders. Valproic acid is still used in cases where a high dosage of Depakote would be needed. Valporic Acid is manufactured by Abbott Laboraties under the brand name Depakene.Valproate sodium alone is also used to treat individuals suffering from the same disorders that Depakote is used to treat. Valproate sodium is available in an injectable form for patients who are not able to take medicine orally.

One of the leading competitors of Depakote with similar reslutls in patients is Lithium. Often times during the treatment of bipolar disorder many individuals try both Depakote and Lithium to see which best works for them to stabilize their mood. Long term usage of Lithium can have serious effects on the kidneys , medical professionals usually switch patients from lithium salts to Depakote to prevent any long term effects.

Author: C. Anders, BiPolar Disorder Product Reviews