Depakote (divalproex sodium) is a medication used to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, migraine headaches, and epilepsy.
It is a compound containing sodium valproate and valproic acid.
This article discusses the sexual and general side effects of Depakote and how to manage them.
Side Effects of Depakote On Sexual Health
1) Erectile dysfunction
Some patients have reported experiencing erectile dysfunction as one of the sexual side effects of Depakote. Erectile dysfunction refers to the inability to get or maintain an erection.
Research shows that valproic acid in this medication can lower the secretion of the male sex hormone testosterone in men, causing erectile dysfunction.
If you are concerned about erectile dysfunction with Depakote, you can talk to your doctor. Your doctor might recommend appropriate treatment for managing the sexual problems you have.
2) Low libido
Studies suggest that Depakote may impact libido levels in both men and women over an extended period.
Depakote lowers the secretion of male sex hormones, testosterone, in men and interferes with the production of female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone, in women.
The hormonal imbalances, thus induced, can lower the sex drive in men and women.
It is possible to avoid this side effect by improving your general health and lowering mental stress.
Regular practicing of yoga and meditation can lower the secretion of the stress hormone cortisol and increase the levels of feel-good hormones, such as dopamine and serotonin.
It can also restore the healthy balance of sex hormones, providing significant relief from the loss of libido.
3) Menstrual irregularities
The hormonal imbalance caused by Depakote might cause menstrual irregularities in women. They may experience heavier than usual flow and increased frequency of periods while using this medication.
The periods usually become normal in frequency and flow when the use of Depakote is stopped.
However, if the menstrual irregularities are severe or are causing undesirable consequences, such as severe weakness due to heavy periods, you can consider stopping Depakote.
You can consult your doctor to find alternative medication for managing your condition.
Does Depakote Cause Premature Ejaculation?
There is not much information available about the risk of premature ejaculation in men using Depakote.
However, considering the incidences of erectile dysfunction in men using this medication, the possibility of premature ejaculation as a side effect cannot be ignored, as both these sexual problems can occur as a result of a decline in testosterone levels.
If you have concerns about the sexual side effects of Depakote, it is advisable to consult with your doctor for guidance.
General Side Effects of Depakote
1) Stomach upsets
Stomach upsets are possible while using Depakote. The symptoms are typically described as nausea, vomiting, heaviness, and bloating.
The symptoms are often accompanied by indigestion and constipation or loose bowel movements.
Taking your dose of Depakote after meals usually helps to relieve these side effects. Your doctor might also advise you to avoid high-fat foods to lower the chances of having stomach upsets while using Depakote.
2) Weight gain
Taking Depakote may cause weight gain in rare cases. If you are concerned about Depakote weight gain, talk with your doctor.
Your doctor will be able to guide you on how to maintain a healthy weight while using the medication.
3) Liver damage
Although a very rare side effect, liver damage can occur while using Depakote. This medication has a boxed warning about Depakote’s possible risk of liver damage.
It is important to inform your doctor at the earliest, in case you develop any signs of liver damage.
Some common symptoms associated with liver damage include:
- Pain in the right upper side of the abdomen
- Yellowish discoloration of the skin, nails, and the white of the eye
- Frequent indigestion and nausea
- Passing light-colored tools
- Passing dark-colored urine
- Loss of appetite
- Unusual fatigue
- Low energy levels
Liver damage is more likely to occur during the initial 6 months of using Depakote.
4) Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a rare but serious side effect of Depakote. Pancreatitis refers to inflammation in the pancreas.
Some common symptoms of pancreatitis include:
- Persistent nausea and vomiting.
- Severe pain in the abdomen.
- Belly pain that seems to radiate to the back.
- Unusual lots of appetite.
Pancreatitis can be fatal or life-threatening in extreme cases. Hence, if you notice any signs of pancreatitis, you must inform your doctor as soon as possible or visit the nearest emergency room for further evaluation and treatment.
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5) Hair loss
Hair loss is a side effect that has been reported by patients using Depakote. This side effect is more common in people who use the medication for seizures or migraine headaches.
However, it is not commonly seen in people who use it for the treatment of mania caused by bipolar disorder.
In most cases, hair loss reduces, and the hair grows back after stopping the treatment with Depakote. If hair loss is severe, you could ask your doctor if you can take alternative medication.
6) Tremors
Trembling of the hands is a common side effect of Depakote. It is usually experienced as shaking or fine tremors in the fingers that you cannot control. It is typically noticed in the fingers when they are stretched out in the front.
Tremors are more commonly noted in people who take Depakote for seizures. The incidence of this side effect is also higher in elderly patients above 65 years of age compared to that in young adults.
If you have tremors while taking Depakote, talk with your doctor, who will help evaluate the other possible causes of this symptom.
If your doctor determines that stopping Depakote could be best for you, they might recommend other medication for your condition.
7) Allergic reaction
An allergic reaction might occur in people with an allergy to Depakote or any of its ingredients, including sodium valproate or valproic acid.
Some common symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
- Skin rash
- Itching
- Swelling in the mouth, tongue, throat, lips, hands, feet, or under the eyelids
- Difficulty breathing
An oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine, often helps to relieve these symptoms.
8) DRESS
In rare cases, Depakote may cause a severe kind of allergic reaction called DRESS (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms). DRESS is more likely to occur within 4 to 6 weeks of starting the treatment.
DRESS typically begins as a rash on the skin of the face and upper body and is followed by other symptoms, such as burning pain, fever, itching, and swelling in the face and lymph nodes of the armpits or neck.
If you notice any symptoms of DRESS or severe allergic reaction, you must stop using the medication and talk to your doctor right away, even if the symptoms are mild.
Do The Side Effects of Depakote Go Away?
Most of the side effects of Depakote usually go away once the medication is stopped.
However, Depakote long-term side effects affecting the liver persist for longer and might even be irreversible.
Conclusion
- Depakote can cause side effects sexually, such as low libido, erectile dysfunction, and menstrual irregularities.
- It can also cause general side effects, such as hair loss, liver damage, pancreatitis, and stomach upsets.
- It is important to watch out for these side effects and seek medical attention if you experience any severe adverse events.
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