Depakote (Divalproex)

How to use it

Depakote is an anticonvulsant used to control seizures. It may also be used to treat migraine headaches, manic episodes, and other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Warning: rarely, serious (possibly fatal) liver problems have occurred in patients using Depakote. Children using Depakote who are under the age of 2 years are at higher risk to experience liver problems, especially if they also have a severe seizure disorder along with mental retardation; are using more than one seizure control drug; have body process (metabolic) problems or have brain disorders. If used in these patients, Depakote must not be used with additional seizure control drugs. Early signs of liver problems include loss of seizure control, vomiting, unusual tiredness/weakness, loss of appetite, yellowing eyes/skin, or swelling of the face.

Contact your doctor promptly if you develop any of these symptoms. Liver tests should be run before and during use of the drug. Rarely, serious (possibly fatal) pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation) has occurred during use of Depakote. It may progress quickly and may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Contact your doctor promptly if you develop any of these symptoms. Rarely, serious (possibly fatal) encephalopathy (decreased mental status) has occurred during use of Depakote. This has occurred in patients with a specific metabolic disorder (urea cycle disorder). Symptoms may include unusual weakness, vomiting, or mental changes. Contact your doctor promptly if you develop any of these symptoms. This drug may cause birth defects. Consult your doctor about the use of Depakote during pregnancy. Some medical conditions or medicines may interact with Depakote.

Let know your pharmacist or doctor of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking barbiturates, benzodiazepines, or other medicine for seizures. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Use of Depakote is not recommended if you have a history of liver conditions, pancreatitis, or a certain metabolic disorder (urea cycle disorder). . Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using Depakote.

Directions

Follow the directions for using Depakote provided by your doctor. Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Depakote may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach. Store Depakote at room temperature, away from heat and light.

If you miss a dose of Depakote and it is within 6 hours of the missed dose, take it as soon as possible. Take the remaining doses of the day at evenly spaced intervals. If you miss a dose of Depakote and you are taking 1 dose daily, take the missed dose if you remember the same day. Skip the missed dose if you do not remember until the next day. Do not take two doses at once.

Cautions

Do not stop taking Depakote without first checking with your doctor. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are taking Depakote. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Depakote. Depakote may cause drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Depakote. Depakote will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants.

Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes aspirin. For women: Depakote has been shown to cause harm to the human fetus. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Depakote during pregnancy. Depakote is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Depakote, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, indigestion, drowsiness, or hair loss. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience the following side effects or symptoms of toxicity: diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bruising, change in weight, tremor, changes in mood or behavior, change in menstrual period, swelling of the face, loss of appetite, extreme tiredness, yellowing of skin or eyes, unusual weakness, mental changes, or severe stomach pain with nausea and vomiting. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Overdose symptoms may include deep sleep, irregular heartbeat, and loss of consciousness.

Additional information

Do not share Depakote with others if it was not prescribed for them. Do not use Depakote for other health conditions.

Keep Depakote out of the reach of children. If using Depakote for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Depakote. Let know your pharmacist or doctor of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.

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