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.