Short answer
Depakene (Valproic Acid) is a medicine that should only be used if prescribed and as prescribed. If used for recreational use or without the direction of a health professional, it can be harmful. Using it as intended has the potential to cause side effects, but is rare.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Depakene, or Valproic acid, is used for the treatment of mental conditions such as bipolar disorder, for the prevention of migraine headaches, and for the treatment and prevention of seizures. In the latter case, Depakene is often used in conjunction with another medication. Depakene works by restoring balance to affected neurotransmitters.
While Depakene has been proven to work, there are precautions that anyone using it should be aware of. The following people should not take Depakene: women who are pregnant or nursing, children under 2 years of age, or patients with any type of mitochondrial disease. For such people, Depakene carries a risk of causing hepatic failure which can lead to death. In the case of unborn babies whose mothers use Depakene, there is an increased risk of congenital deformities and lower IQ. Other than hepatic failure, Depakene has been shown to cause pancreatitis in rare cases. Additionally, there are possible side effects to be aware of, including – but not limited to chest pain, depression, irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing, and dizziness.
In order to prevent negative side-effects and get the maximum benefit of Depakene, it is important to take as ordered by your physician and to not skip or shuffle dosages. As a final word of caution, do not take Depakene if you are suffering from any mental duress. A doctor can always tell you if there are any alternatives that would work better for your situation.
Depakene has also been used to treat aggressive outbursts in children who have been diagnosed with ADHD.
Possible short-term side effects
- dizziness
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fatigue
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rash
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irregular heartbeat
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itchiness
Possible long-term side effects
- hepatotoxicity
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pancreatitis
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depression
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suicidal thoughts/attempts
Possible withdrawal symptoms
- anger
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anxiety
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relapse
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depression
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headache
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dizziness
Benefits
- helps prevent seizures
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prevents migraine headaches
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treats mania
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treats aggressive outbursts (children)
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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