Pediatric use of depakote

I have been unsuccesful in finding information on the use of Depokate for my 6 yr. old daughter. She had been diag. with
bi-polar disorder, OCD, and are now ruling out a Sensory Intergration Dysfuction.

Thank You !
Julie Rodriguez

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Ms. Rodriquez,

Depakote is an anticonvulsant which is employed in the treatment of bipolar disorder in children and adults. It has a mood stabilizing influence, and with children the target symptom(s) usually include explosiveness, volatility, rage, angry reactivity.

It is important to obtain lab work when this medication is used, in order to measure serum levels of the medication. Side effects might include nausea or other gastrointestinal distress, weight gain, or transient increases in hepatic enzymes. Caution must be taken re: interactions with other drugs.