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Research Paper On Depakote

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Depakote
Leo DiCataldo, Science, Mr. Fraser, May, 4, 2016
Introduction
A prescription drug is a substance that alters the body from current functioning to treat a disease or disorder and must it be prescribed by a medical doctor. A very popular drug that treats seizures is Valproic Acid, otherwise known as Depakote.

The Condition The constant firing of neurons in the brain during normal everyday actions is called electrical brain activity. Seizures are changes in the brain's electrical activity, which can "cause dramatic, noticeable symptoms or even no symptoms at all (healthline.com)." During a seizure, nerve cells leave their regular positions where they delivered orders from the brain to other parts of the body. The neurons fire in …show more content…

The most common side effects include bleeding gums, diarrhea, constant chills, loss of appetite, nausea, unusual weight gain or loss, and tingling hands. More serious side effects include delusions ("beliefs that are not true" dictionary.com), back or side pain, abnormal dreams, change of personality, lip smacking, irritability, and vomiting. The drug can also cause anxiety, rapidly changing moods, and hyperventilation. Less common side effects include small red- purple dots on the skin, yellow eyes, swollen joints, hair thinning, and excessive urination. Other less common side effects are puffy cheeks, loss of strength, loss of bladder control, and dizziness.

There are many precautions the patient must be wary about while taking Depakote. Patients with a liver disease/disorder like Ascites or a urea cycle disease/disorder cannot take the drug. If you have a liver disease/disorder, Depakote might worsen the condition or kill you. Also, when some young people first take Depakote they might have thoughts about suicide. These symptoms require prompt medical …show more content…

Some examples are whether this drug ever killed anyone and what happens when you overdose. I would like to know more about the origin of Depakote because there was not that much information on the web. I would also like to know if this drug is still being improved or if medical doctors are trying to replace it another more effective drug with fewer side effects. I also would like to know some opinions about the drug from patients who have used this drug. If someone I cared about is prescribed with this drug (My brother actually is.) I would be very worried about the side effects and check up on them

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