Depakote Syndrome

Depakote syndrome is a condition that affects infants whose mothers have taken a medication containing valproic acid during pregnancy. Depakote and other medications like it are given to prevent seizures, especially in those suffering from epilepsy, and to treat anxiety. Depakote syndrome is not officially acknowledged, but many people are convinced that their children's problems are due to their ingestion of Depakote during pregnancy.

Symptoms

• A baby might be born with disabilities or disfigurements, such as spina bifida, malformed or distinctive facial features, and other disorders of the skeletal and muscular structures.

Medications Causes

• Depakote is the brand name for seizure medications that include valproic acid.

Other Medication Causes

• Other possible medications that cause this syndrome include myproic acid, Dalpro, Depakene, Divalproex and Epival.

Manifestations

• Depakote and other medications containing valproic acid are also suspected causes of PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome. PCOS may exacerbate mood swings and anxiety, which are two things that Depakote is used to treat.

Who Takes Depakot or Similar Drugs?

• Depakote is primarily a seizure medication, but it is also prescribed for anxiety, bipolar disorder, prevention of migraines, polycystic ovarian syndrome and Asperger's syndrome.