What is Depakote used for?

How Does Depakote Work?

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 stabilizes the electrical nerve activity in the brain and is
thought to explain how valproate semisodium calms periods of mania.

Who is contraindicated for Depakote?

Patient may appear:

Yellowish in the skin or eyes ,

Have a distended Firm Abdomen aka Ascites

Complains of Nausea/Vomiting

Patient may appear:

Malnourished

Smells of Alcohol/Poor hygiene

Says things referring to alcohol frequently

Need to drink in order to relax

Has a history of using dangerous situations

linked back to alcohol
Patient may be:

Newlywed

My boyfriend/husband/wife wants a family

Says things like Trying to start a family soon or

I'm ready to have a child

Stopped taking birth control recently

Young teen who may be sexually active

Pregancy D Cleft Palate, Spina Bifida, Cardiac Defects
Linked To Depakote

What are the adverse effects of Depakote?

Who should be cautious about taking Depakote?

What are the dosages available for Depakote?

Least Invasive First!

Nursing Drug Guide: Max of PO 750 Mg/Day In Divided Doses

Nursing Consideration for your patient receiving Depakote

Does my patient fit any of the Contraindicated criteria?

Labs Baseline Platelet and Bleeding Test
Liver Function Tests
When liver cells are damaged or destroyed, the enzymes in the cells leak out
into the blood, where they can be measured by blood tests. Liver tests
check the blood for two main liver enzymes:
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) & Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
Teaching

Report any signs of spontaneous bleeding or pin-point dots on the,

dark stool, nose bleeds, bleeding gums

Report any signs of confusion, altered mental status, worsening

behavior

Stop taking if you notice skin turning a yellowish tint, dark urine,
experiencing light stools or diarrhea, loss of appetite, RLQ
Pain/Tenderness

Do NOT drink Alcohol

Come in to have LFTs/Blood Panel done once a year.

If you're wanting to start a family or had one of those nights and

think you may be pregnant quickly consult your doctor to have
medication changed to something that will not harm the baby.

You'll most likely gain weight so might want to work out more or
modify your eating habits

Newly diagnosed patient with Bipolar Disorder will be started on Depakote to

help stabilize their manic and depressive episodes. Which information from a
patient would be a contraindication to this medication? Select All That
Apply :D
A. I rarely eat anything, all I need is my E&J Brandy to make me feel good.
B. I'm so excited I think my husband and I may be expecting our first child.
C. I drink energy drinks all the time
D. Unfortunately, I have end-stage liver disease so that's rough to deal with.
A Nurse is educating her patient about their newly prescribed Depakote for
Bipolar Disorder. Which of the statements by the patient demonstrates
successful understanding of teaching?
A. I'll call the doctor as soon as I see halos or flashes of light
B. I will come in periodically for my blood tests and liver function tests.
C. Social Drinking is still alright as long as it doesn't exceed 2 drinks.
D. Bleeding gums is a common side effect and I should not worry.

As the nurse you should be alert to elevations in which of the following labs for
a patient who has been taking Depakote for the past 6 months:
A. Elevated BUN and Creatinine
B. Decrased Lipase
C. Elevated AST and ALT
D. Blood Glucose above 160