Depakote consists of a drug commonly used by individuals in order to prevent seizures and migraines and to restore mood for people suffering from bipolar illnesses. Throughout North America, many people have resorted to this drug, as a solution for their illnesses. But for many people it has caused more harm than good.
Depakote, also known by its scientific name, Valporate Semisodium, is also referred to as Divalproex Sodium. There are many birth defects that are associated to this drug. Many women who were taking this drug during pregnancy have had the following birth defects in their newborns babies: spina bifida, growth retardation, skeletal defects, neural tube malformations, fetal death, cleft palate, hand structure malformations, ect. Spina bifidia consists of a birth defect, which involves the lack of development of the spinal cord. Atrial septal defect consists of a congenial heart defect. Another birth defect consists of the cleft palate, a birth defect that dangerously affects the upper lip and the rooftop of the mouth.
Many studies including the EURAP have illustrated that the probabilities of a newborn baby to suffer from birth defects as a result of a mother who was taking Depakote is 9 percent. As a result, the risk is high and the dangers of this drug for pregnant women are also very high. Women have been urged to completely avoid this medication during pregnancy and to resort to other medications prescribed and recommended by a certified practitioner. In addition, another study has illustrated that approximately 20 percent of newborn babies born to mothers who were taking Depakote have suffered from serious birth defects. Subsequently, the harmful effects of this medication had increased to such a great extent that Depakote was given a black box warning in 2006 due to its dangers.