Home :: Depakote

Depakote Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: Divalproex sodium (Valproic acid)

DIVALPROEX SODIUM (Depakote®, Depakote® ER) can help with seizure control in certain types of epilepsy. Medication is used for other conditions, such as includes the treatment of bipolar disorder, mania, the prevention of migraines, and control of behavioral problems associated with dementia. Valproic acid, valproate sodium, and divalproex belong to the group of medicines is known as anticonvulsants. Valproic acid, valproate sodium, and divalproex may be used alone or with other seizure medicine. It is also used to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder, and to help prevent migraine headaches.

Depakote Dosage

• Dosage you are taking for this medication depand on the body weight. For children 10 years of age or older is determined by body weight. The usual recommended starting dose is 10 to 15 milligrams per 2.2 pounds per day.
• Usual starting dose for aged 18 and over is 750 milligrams a day, divided into smaller doses.

Uses of Depakote

• It is used to treat various types of seizure disorders.
• It is also used to prevent migraine headaches and to treat various psychiatric illnesses, such as includes bipolar disorder and aggression.
• Depakote may also be used for other conditions those are listed in this medication guide.

Side Effects of Depakote

If you are using depakote, then discuss the side effects of depakote with your doctor and if you feel any develop or change in intensity, then tell your doctor immediately. Side effects of depakote may include:

• Abdominal pain
• flu symptoms
• headache
• depression
• fever
• breathing difficulty
• bronchitis
• bruising
• infection
• hair loss
• insomnia
• constipation
• incoordination
• diarrhea
• indigestion
• dizziness

Warnings and precautions before taking Depakote:

• This medication may damage the liver, then your doctor will test your liver function before you begin taking this medication and at regular intervals thereafter.
• If you are taking depakote, then it may cause some sleepy or causes some people to become drowsy or less alert. So, do not perform any activity where you requiring any alertness and You should not drive or operate dangerous machinery or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness.
• Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without taking with your doctor. A gradual reduction in dosage is usually required.
• If you have liver disease or a blood disorder, then tell your doctor.
• If you are having any surgery such as including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking valproic acid.

Drug Interaction:- If you are taking certain drugs with depakote, then it may be increased, decreased, or altered the effects of depakote. It may also cause another serious effects. So discuss with your doctor before combining depakote with the following:

• Amitriptyline (Elavil)
• Zidovudine (Retrovir)
• Aspirin
• Tranquilizers such as Valium and Xanax
• Barbiturates such as phenobarbital and Seconal
• Tolbutamide (Orinase)
• Blood thinners such as Coumadin
• Sleep aids such as Halcion
• Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
• Rifampin (Rifater)
• Primidone (Mysoline)
• Notriptyline (Pamelor)
• Oral contraceptives

Overdose

After taking depakote, if you feel that overdose is suspected, then contact with your doctor immediately. Symptoms of a depakote overdose may include:

• Coma
• extreme sleepiness
• heart problems
• shallow breathing