Depakote and sex drive

Warnings Interactions How to avoid side effects. Depakote is a brand-name prescription medicine for the generic drug divalproex sodium or valproic acid. Depakote is in a class of medications called antiepileptic drugs, or anticonvulsants. It works by calming hyperactivity in the brain.

Divalproex sodium works by increasing the amount of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid GABA in the brain. You should not use divalproex sodium if you are allergic to it, or if you have:. Divalproex sodium can cause liver failure that may be fatal, especially in children under age 2 and in people with liver problems caused by a genetic mitochondrial disorder. Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking divalproex sodium. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits.

Are there any bipolar medications that do not affect you sexually? A recent, very large study determined that about 39 percent of people who take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs , the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant, do experience sexual side effects. However, SSRI antidepressants have not been found to be particularly effective for bipolar disorder. Mood stabilizers like lithium , valproic acid Depakote , and lamotrigine Lamictal are typically the first line of treatment for bipolar disorder. For these medications, sexual side effects are much less commonly reported.

If you suspect your low libido might be related to your medication, talk to your doctor. He or she will probably be able to suggest an alternative. Depression is a well known libido killer, but so are some antidepressants. Prozac, Zoloft, and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs improve mood by raising serotonin. You have options.