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Is Consuming Depakote Cause Any Harm In Pregnancy ?
I am 4 weeks pregnant. Two days ago, not aware of the risk, i took 250 mg of depakote i the morning, 250 mg that night, and then 250 mg the next day one time, making 3 doses total equaling 750 mgs. Should I be worried that I have caused any damage to my baby?
Thu, 29 May 2014
Hi,
Welcome to HCM!
The constituent of Depakote is Divalproex sodium. I understand your concern and I don't want to scare you but unfortunately, yes Depakote increases the risk of having fetal complications.
Exposure to valproate in utero increases the risk of neural tube defects and other structural abnormalities. The risk of spina bifida following in utero valproate exposure has been estimated to be approximately 1 to 2%.
There is also an increased risk of other major birth defects such as craniofacial defects and cardiovascular malformations.
A fetal valproate syndrome which includes defects of the face, heart, and limbs has also been described. A four-fold increase in congenital malformations has been reported among infants with valproic acid-exposed mothers compared with those treated with other antiepileptic monotherapies (as a group).
Fatal hepatic failures, in a newborn and in an infant, have been reported following the maternal use of valproate during pregnancy.
Hence, I strongly advice you to visit your treating doctor immediately and plan further course of action.
Remember, it increases the chance of complications but doesn't certainly cause complications. There is still a good chance of you having a successful pregnancy.
Wishing you good health.
Regards,
Dr. Sridhar
Welcome to HCM!
The constituent of Depakote is Divalproex sodium. I understand your concern and I don't want to scare you but unfortunately, yes Depakote increases the risk of having fetal complications.
Exposure to valproate in utero increases the risk of neural tube defects and other structural abnormalities. The risk of spina bifida following in utero valproate exposure has been estimated to be approximately 1 to 2%.
There is also an increased risk of other major birth defects such as craniofacial defects and cardiovascular malformations.
A fetal valproate syndrome which includes defects of the face, heart, and limbs has also been described. A four-fold increase in congenital malformations has been reported among infants with valproic acid-exposed mothers compared with those treated with other antiepileptic monotherapies (as a group).
Fatal hepatic failures, in a newborn and in an infant, have been reported following the maternal use of valproate during pregnancy.
Hence, I strongly advice you to visit your treating doctor immediately and plan further course of action.
Remember, it increases the chance of complications but doesn't certainly cause complications. There is still a good chance of you having a successful pregnancy.
Wishing you good health.
Regards,
Dr. Sridhar
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