Alert Pregnant mothers: Risk to your unborn child if you are taking Depakote or any other anti-psychotic or anti-depressant. . See: Mayo clinic list of drugs causing deformities to the unborn… If you are expecting a child and are taking Depakote, there is a serious risk of your child developing spina bifida. Depakote (Valproic acid,) in the form of divalproex sodium, is an active ingredient in the anti-epileptic drug Depakote, and valproic acid has been linked to serious birth defects.  More…. Lawsuits are currently on their way for Zoloft, Prozac, on behalf of the unborn.