Depakote (Divalproex)

General information

Depakote affects chemicals in the body that may be involved in causing seizures. Its main component is divalproex sodium. Depakote is used to treat various types of seizure disorders. It is sometimes used together with other seizure medications.

Directions

Take Depakote exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Drink plenty of water while you are taking this medication. Your dose may need to be changed if you do not get enough fluids each day. Do not stop using Depakote without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. If you experience stomach irritation, take it with food. Try to take it at the same time every day. Mania Associated with Bipolar Disorder: The recommended starting dose for adults is 750 mg daily given in divided doses. Migraines: The recommended starting dose for adults is 250 mg twice a day.

Precautions

Before taking Depakote you should talk with your doctor if you have urea cycle disorder, HIV or CMV (cytomegalovirus) infection, liver problems or liver disease, previous allergic reaction to Depakote, or any blood disorders. You should avoid combining Depakote with alcohol, which may increase the side effects of the drug. Avoid driving a car because you may experience drowsiness taking Depakote. It impairs your thinking or reactions. Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. It is not recommended in children under 2 years of age.

Contraindications

Do not take Depakote if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you have allergic reaction to it, urea cycle disorder, liver disease or significant liver dysfunction.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have vomiting, dark urine, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), low fever, stomach pain, nausea, hives, blood in urine, body aches, difficulty breathing, double vision, difficulty breathing, swollen glands, sore throat, skin pain. Less serious side effects may include: unusual taste in your mouth, hair loss, drowsiness, enlarged breasts, diarrhea, weakness, tremor, upset stomach, changes in menstrual periods. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: antibiotics (ertapenem, meropenem, imipenem), clonazepam, diazepam, ethosuximide, felbamate, lamotrigine, amitriptyline, aspirin, carbamazepine, rifampin, tolbutamide, topiramate, blood thinner (warfarin), zidovudine. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, herbal medications, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills and muscle relaxers you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are weak pulse, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, sleepiness, shallow breathing.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.