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Depakote is prescribed to people who suffer from seizures and epilepsy. Depakote works to balance the chemicals that cause seizures. However, depakote has caused liver failure, especially in children, which can be deadly. Depakote has also been linked to pancreatitis, birth defects and serious allergic reactions to other drugs.

Depakote is broken down and used almost entirely in the liver, which is why the liver is most at risk with the drug. Other side effects of Depakote include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• tremor
• hallucinations
• fever
• skin rash
• bruising
• internal bleeding
• gland swelling
• hearing damage
• greater risk of side effects in children and the elderly

Seizures are caused by chemicals in the body. They happen when there is sudden, abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures usually last between 30 seconds and two minutes. They can be caused by medicines, head trauma, high fevers and diseases.

People who have seizures caused by brain disorders have epilepsy. Sometimes, doctors don’t know what the exact cause is, and people can suffer hundreds of seizures per day. More than 3 million people suffer from epilepsy in the U.S.

Depakote affects the chemicals that are believed to be responsible for the seizures. However, Depakote has been linked to many harmful side effects, including birth defects when used by women who are pregnant. These birth defects include:

• spina bifida
• heart defects
• bone defects

Women who plan to get pregnant or who become pregnant while taking Depakote should consult their doctors immediately.