To control certain types of seizures in the treatment of epilepsy Depakote is used. For treating the manic phase of bipolar disorders (manic-depressive illness), and to prevent migraine headaches it can be used as well.
The work of Depakote consists of reduction or prevention the number of seizures by controlling the abnormal activity of nerve impulses in the brain and central nervous system.
You should take Depakote by your doctor’s advice.
- Divalproex is taken with food for reduction of stomach irritation, but can be taken without food as well.
- The whole tablet of Depakote is taken. It shouldn’t be broken, crushed or chewed.
- If you feel better, don’t stop usage of Depakote. To receive the best results, Depakote should be contained in your body at a constant level, any doses shouldn’t be missed.
- Tip: A good way not to forget about taking Depakote is to use it at the same time each day.
In case of missing a dose of Depakote it should be used as soon as possible. You shouldn’t take two doses together even if dose is missed. Follow your regular dosing instructions.
Depakote is stored at room temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) and out of the reach of children, away from pets. Depakote isn’t stored in the bathroom, and it should be away from heat, moisture, and light
Depakote Safety information
Depakote shouldn’t be taken if:
- Any ingredient in Divalproex causes an allergy on you;
- you have a history of harsh liver conditions, low levels of the enzyme ornithine carbamoyltransferase, or a urea cycle disorder.
Your doctor or health care provider should be informed if any of these apply to you.
It is necessary to know before you start taking Depakote:
- If you do not know your reaction for Depakote, you shouldn’t drive a car or perform other possibly unsafe tasks.
- Inflammation of the pancreas is a potentially life-threatening illness associated with Depakote. If you experience stomach pain, vomiting, or appetite loss, your doctor should be informed.
- Seizures may be caused by sudden stop of Depakote usage. Your dose may need to be reduced gradually.
- Your doctor or dentist should be informed that you use Depakote before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
- You must perform lab tests, including blood cell counts and liver function tests when Depakote is being used. To monitor your condition or check for side effects perform such tests. You might be ready to keep all doctor and lab prescriptions.
- If you are Diabetes patients Depakote may cause the results of some tests for urine ketones to be wrong. If you want to change the dose of your diabetes medicine or your diet, see your doctor.
- Old people are more sensitive to the Depakote’s effects.
- If you are pregnant and breast-feeding take into consideration that Depakote has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. In case you are pregnant, your doctor should be informed of this possibility. The benefits and risks of using Depakote while you are pregnant should be discussed. If you use Depakote, you mustn’t breast-feed.
- Children younger than 10 years old must take Depakote very cautiously; safety and effectiveness of Depakote in these children have not been explored. If Depakote is taken by children younger than 2 years of age, it may cause an increased risk of serious liver problems.
- Divalproex should be used only on prescription. It shouldn’t be shared with other people
Depakote Side effects
If the most common side effects such as change in appetite; constipation; diarrhea or vomiting; dizziness or drowsiness, headache; unusual hair loss; nausea; stomach pain; trouble sleeping; weight changes, persist or become bothersome, do not stop taking Depakote and talk to your doctor.
Call emergency in case of harsh allergic reactions (rash; tightness in the chest; itching; hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue);
Contact your doctor if one of the following effects occurs:
- abdominal cramps; change in menstrual period; changes in mood or behavior; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; difficulty speaking; difficulty urinating or other urination problems; extreme tiredness; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; general body discomfort; hallucinations; hearing loss; involuntary movements of the arms and legs; involuntary movements or chewing movements of face, jaw, mouth, or tongue; abnormal thinking; joint pain; lack of energy; loss of appetite; loss of coordination; loss of seizure control; sore throat; swelling of the arms or legs; tremor; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual weakness; vision changes; yellowing of skin or eyes.
