Do Depakote And Seroquel Cause Fatty Liver?

Posted on Tue, 15 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 15 Apr 2014 Answered on

Mon, 12 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have just been told by my doctor that I have a Fatty Liver. He said it might be from the meds I am taking. After a search online and consulting with my Pharmacist, I might have the meds that are causing the problem. I take Depakote, Seroquel, Vistril, Gabapentin, Paxil, and Prazosin. From what I found online I believe it is the Depakote and Seroquel. I am being sent for another blood test to see if I'm still the same after four tests. What are your thoughts? Thank you. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Enrique Molina (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer: fatty liver is not from your meds Detailed Answer: if you have fatty liver you need further evaluation, however keep in mind that the medications you are taking do not cause fatty liver itself. Depakote and occasionally seroquel may indeed cause abnormal liver tests in the blood, however they don't lead to accumulation of fat in the liver. The most common cause of "fatty liver" is actually alcohol intake. if you drink alcohol in a regular basis you should stop. Also being overweight and / or obese is a risk factor. You should get your cholesterol and triglycerides checked as this is also commonly associated with fatty liver. Diabetics also commonly have fatty liver. Steroids (such as prednisone) can also lead to fatty liver. If your liver enzymes are normal, i would advise you to lose weight, avoid alcohol, and get routine follow up testing of your liver enzymes. hope that helped

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar