how long corse of treatment divalproex sodium

Precautions

It takes about four hours for divalproex sodium to reach maximum concentrations in the blood after a single dose. However, it may take several weeks for a beneficial effect to be seen, depending on the condition being treated. 7.

How long does it take for divalproex sodium to work?

This older group of patients should be closely monitored during treatment with Divalproex sodium extended-release tablets for the development of acute liver injury with regular clinical assessments and serum liver test monitoring. The drug should be discontinued immediately in the presence of significant hepatic dysfunction, suspected or apparent.

When to discontinue divalproex sodium extended-release tablets for liver disease?

The capsule, delayed release tablet, sprinkle capsule, and syrup forms are usually taken at least 2 times a day. The extended-release tablet is taken 1 time a day. Common side effects of divalproex include upset stomach, constipation or diarrhea, nausea, and headache.

How many times a day should I take divalproex?

How long should you take divalproex?

Adults—At first, 500 milligrams (mg) once a day for 1 week. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 1000 mg per day. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

How long can you be on Depakote?

The drugmaker says that clinical trials have not shown valproate to be effective for long-term use in patients with mania. This refers to use longer than three weeks. AbbVie recommends that doctors who give patients Depakote or Depakote ER for extended periods continually evaluate the risks and benefits of the drug.

Can you stop taking divalproex?

A: Do not stop taking Depakote without first talking to your doctor. Stopping Depakote suddenly can cause serious problems, including seizures that do not stop (also known as “status epilepticus”). Please see Full Prescribing Information with Medication Guide for the complete list of side effects.

How long does it take Depakote to reach therapeutic levels for bipolar?

Tablets take 4 hours to reach a peak, Depakote sprinkles take just over three. Food can delay the absorption of Depakote (food has a more significant effect on the tablets compared with the sprinkles). It may take several weeks of regular dosing before an effect on mood or seizure frequency is reported.

What happens when you stop taking Depakote?

Can symptoms occur if Depakote is discontinued? It's important not to discontinue use of the drug before talking with your doctor. Withdrawal symptoms of Depakote can include irritability, anxiety, the return of manic or depressive symptoms, dizziness, and tremors.

How do you wean off sodium valproate?

There is no data about the exact way to taper, but going to 3/4 of the dose the first week, 1/2 the second week, and 1/4 the third week is 1 approach. It is known that stopping seizure medications abruptly increases the risk of seizures.

What does divalproex do to the brain?

Divalproex sodium works by increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. The body produces GABA naturally. It is a chemical neurotransmitter — or brain messenger. Faster than normal electrical impulses in the brain can cause erratic impulses.

Does divalproex cause memory loss?

Divalproex treatment was associated with accelerated brain volume loss over 1 year and perhaps with greater cognitive impairment. The long-term clinical effects of these changes are not known.

Does Depakote cause brain damage?

MRI scans showed that those taking Depakote had thinning of the parietal lobes of the brain, had lower total brain volume, and lower white matter volume. This was a small study, but it was conducted because of previous reports of brain atrophy.

How long does it take for sodium valproate to work?

It is important that this medication is taken only as directed and not given to other people. Sodium valproate may take several days to show an initial effect and in some cases may take from two to six weeks for maximum effect.

How long does it take for bipolar meds to work?

The most common medications used to treat bipolar disorder are mood stabilizers. There are many different types of mood stabilizers, and each works a bit differently… But generally, it takes at least 2 weeks for them to take effect.

How do you wean off Depakote for bipolar?

You can cut the Depakote 125 mg in half giving you 62.5 mg. These small cuts are not necessary for everyone, but for some, slowing it way down is the only path to re-regulation after the use of the drug.

What Is Divalproex Sodium?

Divalproex sodium affects chemicals in the body that may be involved in causing seizures.Divalproex sodium is used to treat various types of seizur...

Before Taking This Medicine

You should not use divalproex sodium if you are allergic to it, or if you have: 1. liver disease; 2. a urea cycle disorder; or 3. a genetic mitocho...

How Should I Take Divalproex Sodium?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dos...

What Happens If I Miss A Dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What Should I Avoid While Taking Divalproex Sodium?

Drinking alcohol may increase certain side effects of divalproex sodium.Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will a...

Divalproex Sodium Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin...

What Other Drugs Will Affect Divalproex Sodium?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may in...

How much sulfate is needed for a child?

However, the dose is usually not more than 60 mg per kg of body weight per day. Children younger than 10 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. Adults and children 10 years of age or older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.

Can you take IBM Micromedex more than once a day?

Drug information provided by: IBM Micromedex. Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To keep blood levels constant, take this medicine at the same time each day and do not miss any doses.

What is divalproex sodium?

Divalproex sodium extended-release tablets are valproate and are indicated for the treatment of acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder, with or without psychotic features. A manic episode is a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood.

How is valproate metabolized?

Valproate is metabolized almost entirely by the liver. In adult patients on monotherapy, 30 to 50% of an administered dose appears in urine as a glucuronide conjugate. Mitochondrial β-oxidation is the other major metabolic pathway, typically accounting for over 40% of the dose. Usually, less than 15 to 20% of the dose is eliminated by other oxidative mechanisms. Less than 3% of an administered dose is excreted unchanged in urine.

How does Valproate affect pregnancy?

Inform pregnant women and women of childbearing potential (including girls beginning the onset of puberty) that use of valproate during pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects, decreased IQ, and neurodevelopmental disorders in children who were exposed in utero. Advise women to use effective contraception while taking valproate. When appropriate, counsel these patients about alternative therapeutic options. This is particularly important when valproate use is considered for a condition not usually associated with permanent injury or death such as prophylaxis of migraine headache [see Contraindications ( 4 )]. Advise patients to read the Medication Guide, which appears as the last section of the labeling [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2, 5.3, 5.4) and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )].

Does Valproate cause hyperammonemia?

Hyperammonemia has been reported in association with valproate therapy and may be present despite normal liver function tests. In patients who develop unexplained lethargy and vomiting or changes in mental status, hyperammonemic encephalopathy should be considered and an ammonia level should be measured. Hyperammonemia should also be considered in patients who present with hypothermia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )]. If ammonia is increased, valproate therapy should be discontinued. Appropriate interventions for treatment of hyperammonemia should be initiated, and such patients should undergo investigation for underlying urea cycle disorders [see Contraindications ( 4) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6, 5.10 )].

Is divalproex sodium contraindicated?

Divalproex sodium extended-release tablets are contraindicated in patients with known urea cycle disorders (UCD). Hyperammonemic encephalopathy, sometimes fatal, has been reported following initiation of valproate therapy in patients with urea cycle disorders, a group of uncommon genetic abnormalities, particularly ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency. Prior to the initiation of Divalproex sodium extended-release tablets therapy, evaluation for UCD should be considered in the following patients: 1) those with a history of unexplained encephalopathy or coma, encephalopathy associated with a protein load, pregnancy-related or postpartum encephalopathy, unexplained mental retardation, or history of elevated plasma ammonia or glutamine; 2) those with cyclical vomiting and lethargy, episodic extreme irritability, ataxia, low BUN, or protein avoidance; 3) those with a family history of UCD or a family history of unexplained infant deaths (particularly males); 4) those with other signs or symptoms of UCD. Patients who develop symptoms of unexplained hyperammonemic encephalopathy while receiving valproate therapy should receive prompt treatment (including discontinuation of valproate therapy) and be evaluated for underlying urea cycle disorders [see Contraindications ( 4) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )].

Does valproate affect IQ?

Valproate can cause decreased IQ scores following in utero exposure. Published epidemiological studies have indicated that children exposed to valproate in utero have lower cognitive test scores than children exposed in utero to either another antiepileptic drug or to no antiepileptic drugs. The largest of these studies 1 is a prospective cohort study conducted in the United States and United Kingdom that found that children with prenatal exposure to valproate (n=62) had lower IQ scores at age 6 (97 [95% C.I. 94 to 101]) than children with prenatal exposure to the other antiepileptic drug monotherapy treatments evaluated: lamotrigine (108 [95% C.I. 105 to 110]), carbamazepine (105 [95% C.I. 102 to 108]), and phenytoin (108 [95% C.I. 104 to 112]). It is not known when during pregnancy cognitive effects in valproate-exposed children occur. Because the women in this study were exposed to antiepileptic drugs throughout pregnancy, whether the risk for decreased IQ was related to a particular time period during pregnancy could not be assessed.

Is divalproex sodium a mitochondrial drug?

Divalproex sodium extended-release tablets are contraindicated in patients known to have mitochondrial disorders caused by POLG mutations and children under two years of age who are clinically suspected of having a mitochondrial disorder [see Contraindications ( 4 )]. Valproate-induced acute liver failure and liver-related deaths have been reported in patients with hereditary neurometabolic syndromes caused by mutations in the gene for mitochondrial DNA polymerase γ (POLG) (e.g., Alpers- Huttenlocher Syndrome) at a higher rate than those without these syndromes. Most of the reported cases of liver failure in patients with these syndromes have been identified in children and adolescents.

What is divalproex sodium used for?

Divalproex sodium tablets and capsules are used to treat seizures in people with epilepsy who are at least 10 years old. Divalproex sodium tablets are sometimes used together with other seizure medications.

What to do if you can't swallow a sprinkle capsule?

If you cannot swallow a sprinkle capsule whole, open it and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of pudding or applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away. Do not save it for later use.

Does divalproex cause nausea?

Call your doctor at once if the person taking divalproex sodium has signs of liver or pancreas problems, such as: loss of appetite, upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back), ongoing nausea or vomiting, dark urine, swelling in the face, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Can you take Divalproex with other medications?

Divalproex sodium tablets are sometimes used together with other seizure medications. Divalproex sodium tablets are also used in adults to prevent migraine headaches, or to treat manic episodes related to bipolar disorder (manic depression ). Divalproex sodium may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Can you take divalproex if you have liver disease?

You should not use divalproex sodium if you have liver disease, a urea cycle disorder, or a genetic disorder such as Alpers' disease or Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome.

Can you stop divalproex?

Do not stop using divalproex so dium suddenly, even if you feel fine. Stopping suddenly may cause a serious, life-threatening type of seizure. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Can divalproex cause seizures?

However, having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both the mother and the baby. If you take divalproex sodium for seizures or manic episodes: The benefit of preventing seizures or manic episodes may outweigh any risks posed by this medicine. There may be other medications that are safer to use during pregnancy.

What is divalproex sodium?

Divalproex sodium oral tablet belongs to a class of drugs called anti-epileptics. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.

How does garbamazepine work?

This drug works by increasing brain concentrations of a certain chemical, GABA, which reduces the excitability of your nervous system. This helps to treat seizures and manic episodes and prevent migraine headaches.

What are the black box warnings for a drug?

Black box warnings alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Can divalproex cause liver failure?

For people with mitochondrial disease: If you have Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome or have a family history of this metabolic disorder, you may have a higher risk of liver failure when taking divalproex sodium .

Can you take rifampin and divalproex together?

Taking rifampin with divalproex sodium may decrease the level of divalproex sodium in your body. This means that it may not work as well to treat your condition. If you take these drugs together, your doctor may adjust your dosage of divalproex sodium.

Does divalproex increase zidovudine?

Taking zidovudine with divalproex sodium may increase the levels of zidovudine in your body. Your doctor may monitor you more closely for side effects.

Can you take felbamate with divalproex?

If you take felbamate with divalproex sodium, your doctor may adjust your dosage of divalproex sodium .

Usual Adult Dose for Epilepsy

COMPLEX PARTIAL SEIZURES: Initial Dose: 10 to 15 mg/kg/day orally (see below for frequency) -Increase in increments of 5 to 10 mg/kg/week to achieve optimal clinical response; -Plasma levels should be checked if satisfactory response has not been achieved (usual accepted therapeutic range 50 to 100 mcg/mL) Maximum dose: 60 mg/kg/day SIMPLE AND COMPLEX ABSENCE SEIZURES: Initial Therapy: 15 mg/kg/day orally (see below for frequency) -Increase in increments of 5 to 10 mg/kg/day until seizures are controlled or side effects preclude further increases Maximum Recommended Dose: 60 mg/kg/day FREQUENCY: -Delayed-release tablets and sprinkle capsules: Doses greater than 250 mg/day should be given in divided doses -Extended-release tablets: Should be administered once a day CONVERSION to Monotherapy: -Initial dose as above while concomitant antiepileptic drug (AED) is reduced by 25% every 2 weeks; AED dose reductions can begin with initiation of therapy or delayed by 1 to 2 weeks; speed and duration may be highly variable, and patients should be monitored closely during this period CONVERSION From Delayed-Release to Extended-Release: Patients should receive an extended-release dose that is 8% to 20% higher than the total daily dose of the delayed-release Comments: -This drug is indicated in the treatment of complex partial seizures that occur in isolation or in association with other types of seizures; its use as initial monotherapy has not been systematically studied. -A good correlation has not been established between daily dose, serum concentrations, and therapeutic effect, however, a serum level between 50 and 100 mcg/mL is therapeutic for most patients; some patients may be controlled with higher or lower serum concentrations. -Optimal clinical response is usually achieved at doses below 60 mg/kg/day; if satisfactory clinical response has not been achieved, plasma levels should be measured. -No recommendations can be made for doses exceeding 60 mg/kg/day Uses: As monotherapy and adjunctive therapy in the treatment of patients with complex partial seizures; as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy for the treatment of simple and complex absence seizures; and adjunctively in patients with multiple seizure types that include absence seizures..

Usual Adult Dose for Mania

Delayed-release tablets: Initial dose: 750 mg orally per day in divided doses -Rapidly titrate to achieve the lowest effective dose or desired plasma concentration Maximum dose: 60 mg/kg/day Extended-release tablets: Initial dose: 25 mg/kg orally once a day -Rapidly titrate to achieve the lowest effective dose or desired plasma concentration Maximum dose: 60 mg/kg/day Comments: -In clinical trials, patients receiving the delayed-release and extended-release tablets were dosed to a trough plasma concentration of 50 to 125 mcg/mL and 85 to 125 mcg/mL, respectively. -The efficacy of this drug for long-term mania has not been demonstrated and therefore, when used for extended periods, it's use should be continually reevaluated. Use: For the treatment of the manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder..

Usual Adult Dose for Migraine Prophylaxis

Delayed-release tablets: Initial dose: 250 mg orally 2 times a day Maintenance dose: Some patients may benefit from doses up to 1000 mg per day Extended-release tablets: Initial dose: 500 mg orally once a day for 1 week -After 5 days, may increase to 1000 mg/day as needed Maintenance dose: 500 to 1000 mg orally once a day Comments: -There is no evidence showing that this drug is useful in the acute treatment of migraine headaches. -There is no evidence that doses over 1000 mg/day led to greater efficacy. Use: For the prophylaxis of migraine headaches..

Usual Pediatric Dose for Epilepsy

10 years or older: COMPLEX PARTIAL SEIZURES: Initial Dose: 10 to 15 mg/kg/day orally (see below for frequency) -Increase in increments of 5 to 10 mg/kg/week to achieve optimal clinical response; -Plasma levels should be checked if satisfactory response has not been achieved (usual accepted therapeutic range 50 to 100 mcg/mL) Maximum dose: 60 mg/kg/day SIMPLE AND COMPLEX ABSENCE SEIZURES: Initial Therapy: 15 mg/kg/day orally (see below for frequency) -Increase in increments of 5 to 10 mg/kg/day until seizures are controlled or side effects preclude further increases Maximum Recommended Dose: 60 mg/kg/day FREQUENCY: -Delayed-release tablets and sprinkle capsules: Doses greater than 250 mg/day should be given in divided doses -Extended-release tablets: Should be administered once a day CONVERSION to Monotherapy: -Initial dose as above while concomitant antiepileptic drug (AED) is reduced by 25% every 2 weeks; AED dose reductions can begin with initiation of therapy or delayed by 1 to 2 weeks; speed and duration may be highly variable, and patients should be monitored closely during this period CONVERSION From Delayed-Release to Extended-Release: Patients should receive an extended-release dose that is 8% to 20% higher than the total daily dose of the delayed-release Comments: -This drug is indicated in the treatment of complex partial seizures that occur in isolation or in association with other types of seizures; its use as initial monotherapy has not been systematically studied. -A good correlation has not been established between daily dose, serum concentrations, and therapeutic effect, however, a serum level between 50 and 100 mcg/mL is therapeutic for most patients; some patients may be controlled with higher or lower serum concentrations. -Optimal clinical response is usually achieved at doses below 60 mg/kg/day; if satisfactory clinical response has not been achieved, plasma levels should be measured. -No recommendations can be made for doses exceeding 60 mg/kg/day Uses: As monotherapy and adjunctive therapy in the treatment of patients with complex partial seizures; as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy for the treatment of simple and complex absence seizures; and adjunctively in patients with multiple seizure types that include absence seizures..

Renal Dose Adjustments

Use caution; no adjustment recommended, but higher than expected free fractions may be expected

Liver Dose Adjustments

Contraindicated in patients with hepatic disease or with significant hepatic dysfunction

Dose Adjustments

Elderly Patients: -Starting doses should be reduced and doses should be increased more slowly and with regular monitoring for fluid and nutritional intake, dehydration, somnolence, and other adverse reactions; ultimate therapeutic dose should be achieved based on tolerability and clinical response Concomitant use of rufinamide: -For patients stabilized on rufinamide prior to initiating valproate, begin valproate at a low dose, and titrate to a clinically effective dose Therapeutic drug monitoring: -Epilepsy: Therapeutic range: 50 to 100 mcg/mL; some may be controlled with lower or higher plasma concentrations -Mania: Trough plasma concentration: 50 to 125 mcg/mL (delayed-release tablets); 85 to 125 mcg/mL (extended-release tablets) -Monitoring for total concentrations may be misleading in patients with higher free concentrations; higher than expected free fractions occur in the elderly, in patients with hyperlipidemia, and in patients with hepatic, and renal diseases -Monitoring of valproate and concomitant drug concentrations should be increased whenever enzyme inducing drugs are introduced or withdrawn -Thrombocytopenia: The probability of thrombocytopenia increases significantly at total valproate concentrations of 110 mcg/mL (females) or 135 mcg/mL (males) or more Drug Withdrawal/Discontinuation: -Abrupt discontinuation should be avoided, especially in patients for whom this drug is prescribed to prevent major seizures because of the strong possibility of precipitating status epilepticus.

How to take divalproex?

Take divalproex exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully. The dosage will vary, depending on the indication and response.

What to do if you take too much divalproex?

If you take too much divalproex , call your healthcare provider or local Poison Control Center, or seek emergency medical attention right away.

What is the medication used for manic episodes?

Divalproex (also known as valproate or valproic acid) is a prescription medication used to treat seizures and manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder and to prevent migraines.

What is divalproex used for?

Divalproex (a derivative of valproate or valproic acid) is a prescription medication used to treat seizures and manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder and to prevent migraines.

Can divalproex cause blurred vision?

Divalproex can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how divalproex affects you.

Can you take divalproex while pregnant?

If you take divalproex during pregnancy for any medical condition, your baby is at risk for serious birth defects. The most common birth defects with divalproex affect the brain and spinal cord and are called spina bifida or neural tube defects. These defects occur in 1 to 2 out of every 100 babies born to mothers who use this medicine during pregnancy. These defects can begin in the first month, even before you know you are pregnant. Other birth defects can happen.

Can Valproate cause hepatic failure?

Hepatic failure resulting in fatalities has occurred in patients receiving valproate and its derivatives. Children under the age of two years are at a considerably increased risk of developing fatal hepatotoxicity, especially those on multiple anticonvulsants, those with congenital metabolic disorders, those with severe seizure disorders accompanied by mental retardation, and those with organic brain disease. When valproate is used in this patient group, it should be used with extreme caution and as a sole agent. The benefits of therapy should be weighed against the risks. The incidence of fatal hepatotoxicity decreases considerably in progressively older patient groups.

When is divalproex sodium hepatotoxicity?

Divalproex sodium (Oral) Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 28, 2020. Hepatotoxicity (some cases fatal), usually occurring during the first 6 months of treatment, has been reported in patients receiving valproate and its derivatives.

What is divalproex used for?

Divalproex sodium is used to treat certain types of seizures (epilepsy). Divalproex sodium is an anticonvulsant that works in the brain tissue to stop seizures. Divalproex sodium is also used to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness) and helps prevent migraine headaches.

What to do if you miss a divalproex?

However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Can you take divalproex with other medications?

Using divalproex sodium with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines. Calcifediol. Calcium Oxybate.

Can divalproex be used in elderly?

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of divalproex sodium in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have unwanted effects (eg, tremors or unusual drowsiness), which may require an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving divalproex sodium.

Is Valproate sodium safe for children?

Hepatotoxicity (some cases fatal), usually occurring during the first 6 months of treatment, has been reported in patients receiving valproate and its derivatives. Children younger than 2 years and patients with hereditary mitochondrial disease are at a considerably increased risk of developing fatal hepatotoxicity . For these patients under 2 years, valproate sodium should be used with extreme caution as a sole agent. Use is contraindicated in patients with known mitochondrial disorders caused by mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma (POLG) mutations and in children younger than 2 years in which mitochondrial disorder is clinically suspected. Failure of other anticonvulsants is the only indication for divalproex sodium in patients older than 2 years with hereditary mitochondrial disease. Perform POLG mutation screening as clinically indicated. Monitor patients closely and perform liver function tests prior to therapy and at frequent intervals thereafter, especially during the first 6 months. Valproate can impair cognitive development with prenatal exposure and produce major congenital malformations, particularly neural tube defects (eg, spina bifida). Valproate is contraindicated for prophylaxis of migraine headaches in pregnant women and women of childbearing potential who are not using effective contraception. Valproate should not be administered to a woman of childbearing potential unless other medications have failed or are otherwise unacceptable. Effective contraception should be used in such situations. Life-threatening pancreatitis has been reported in both children and adults receiving valproate. Cases have occurred shortly after initiation as well as several years after use. If pancreatitis is diagnosed, valproate should ordinarily be discontinued .

Can you have an allergic reaction to divalproex?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to divalproex sodium or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

How to take divalproex?

Take divalproex sodium exactly as your physician tells you to. Your dose will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you about what the physician has said.

What is divalproex sodium?

Capsules, tablets. Divalproex sodium is a mixture of two similar ingredients - valproic acid and sodium valproate. It is an anticonvulsant medicine used to treat bipolar disorder, epilepsy and seizures, and to prevent migraine headaches. A seizure is a short episode of symptoms which is caused by a burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

How does divalproex work?

Divalproex sodium works by reducing these abnormal electrical activities. Bipolar disorder is a long-term condition where you have lows (periods of depression) and highs (periods of mania or hypomania). Divalproex sodium is prescribed as a mood stabilizer in bipolar disorder.

How many people are affected by divalproex?

Very common divalproex sodium side-effects (these affect more than 1 in 10 people)

What to do when you collect a new supply of medicine from the pharmacy?

Each time you collect a new supply of medicine from the pharmacy, make sure that the medicine looks to be the same as you have had before. If it is different, please discuss this with your pharmacist who will advise you.

Can you chew Divalproex?

Divalproex sodium should be taken with food, so take your doses with a snack or just after you have had a meal. If you have been given delayed or extended release tablets, swallow them whole with a drink of water. Do not chew or crush the tablets because they have a special protective coating. Some brands of capsules (eg, Depakote® Sprinkles) ...

Can you take divalproex before taking divalproex?

Before taking divalproex sodium. Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking divalproex sodium it is important that your physician knows:

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