The epilepsy medication Depakote is currently under investigation for allegedly causing infants to be born with birth defects. Mothers who used Depakote, especially during the first trimester, may have unknowingly put their child at risk of being born with a Depakote birth defect.

Depakote

Depakote has been used since 1983 to treat epilepsy (a condition that causes an individual to suffer from seizures) and later migraines and bipolar disorder. The drug has been widely used across the country by individuals of many ages. It can be taken in a variety of forms and is also known as valproic acid, in its generic form. Many individuals depend on the drug to treat their epilepsy or other conditions.

The situation becomes more complicated during pregnancy as a woman may still require the drug to treat her condition or she may not be aware of the pregnancy and continue Depakote use at the risk of the child. Medication use during pregnancy should always be discussed with a doctor.

One study published in the 2010 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine found that women who used valproic acid/Depakote during the first trimester were more likely to have a child with a Depakote birth defect.

The researchers found that six common birth defects were more common among epilepsy medication users:

• Spina bifida
• Atrial septal defect
• Cleft palate
• Hypospadias (involving the urethra in boys)
• Polydactyly
• Crainosynostosis

The researchers claimed that their findings supported, “a relationship of these malformations with valproic acid specifically rather than to anti-epileptic drugs generally or to underlying epilepsy.”

This suggests that Depakote was the cause of these birth defects, and that while other epilepsy medications may also increase birth defect risks, Depakote birth defects were more prevalent.

While many women may require epilepsy medication for their safety or for the safety of their child, all women should discuss the matter with their doctor before starting or stopping treatment. Pregnancy often requires decisions to be made on an individual basis.

Depakote Birth Defects

Currently, a Depakote birth defect class action lawsuit investigation has been launched against the drug manufacturer. Hundreds of thousands of individuals have been prescribed the drug without being aware that the epilepsy medication could lead to serious birth defects to the brain, heart, spine, face, or skull. The investigation is targeting individuals who took the drug before 2010.

Other forms of Depakote or valproic acid include:

• Depacon injections (valproate sodium)
• Depakote (DR/EC)
• Depakote sprinkle capsules
• Depakote ER (divalproex sodium)
• Depakene capsules or syrup
• Stavzor (valproic acid)