The makers of Depakote, Abbott Laboratories, is currently discussing with prosecutors if settlements will be made for the illegal marketing of the epilepsy drug.

The government has claimed that the company tried to market Depakote for an off-label use in order to treat Alzheimer’s disease as a chemical restraint for elderly people if they became aggressive and this is considered a form of abuse.

Depakote was approved by hte FDA in 1983 as an anti-seizure medication and it is often used to treat bipolar disorder and depression, but has been used for off-label treatment often. While doctors can prescribe medication for different treatment, it is illegal for a drug company to market a medication for the treatment if it has not been approved for it.

Depakote has also been in the news for claims that it caused birth defects when women took it during pregnancy. If this has happened to you, contact the Depakote birth defects lawsuit lawyers of Williams Kherkher by calling 800-761-3187.