Depakote, a brand name of the anticonvulsant medication valproate, is commonly used to treat various medical conditions, including seizures, migraine headaches, and bipolar disorder. However, there is growing concern about the use of Depakote during pregnancy and the risk of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.
Recent studies suggest associations between the anti-epileptic drug Depakote and adverse health effects. One study found that it increased the death risk in post-stroke epilepsy patients. Another found an association between Depakote use during pregnancy and the Autism and ADHD risk in children. In addition, individuals have filed lawsuits in France against Sanofi, the European manufacturer of Depakote.