Why?
The answer is simple - fetal valproate syndrome
depakote is responsible for many birth defects (facial defects, retardation, etc.)
go to pubmed.Com and read abstracts on fetal valproate syndrome
it is also linked to brain atrophy and valproate-induced parkinsonism. Read for yourself at these links:
http://www.Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov/entrez/query.F
cgi?Db=pubmed&cmd=display&dopt=pub
med_pubmed&from_uid=12878301
http://www.Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov/entrez/query.F
cgi?Db=pubmed&cmd=display&dopt=pub
med_pubmed&from_uid=15641014&tool=
externalsearch
it has come to my attention in doing my own research that many people are not aware of these side effects. Do your own research and be informed before you take depakote.
If anyone is shocked about not being informed about these side effects, please respond, and tell a friend.