This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Depakote Consumer Information
DEPAKOTE
Generic Name: divalproex sodium (dye val PROE ex)
Brand Names: Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkles
What is the most important information I should know about divalproex sodium?
- In rare cases, divalproex sodium has caused liver failure, sometimes resulting in death. Children younger than 2 years of age, especially those taking multiple seizure medicines, those with metabolic diseases, those with mental retardation, and those with organic brain disease are at the highest risk of liver failure. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop loss of seizure control, weakness, fatigue, swelling of the face, vomiting, or loss of appetite. These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage.
- In rare cases, divalproex sodium has also caused severe, even fatal, cases of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Some of the cases have progressed rapidly from initial symptoms to death. Cases have been reported soon after starting treatment with divalproex sodium, as well as after several years of use. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite. These symptoms may be early signs of pancreatitis.
- Do not stop taking this medication if you have a seizure disorder, even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking divalproex sodium to prevent the seizures from recurring.
- Do not crush, chew, or break the capsules or delayed- or extended-release tablets (Depakote, Depakote ER). Swallow them whole.
- Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.
- Divalproex sodium may interact with other drugs that cause drowsiness, including alcohol, antidepressants, antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if divalproex sodium is taken with alcohol or any of these medications. Talk to your doctor before taking divalproex sodium in combination with alcohol or any other medicines, including herbal products.
What is divalproex sodium?
- Divalproex sodium affects chemicals in the body that may be involved in causing seizures, migraines, and mania. The exact way that it works is unknown.
- Divalproex sodium is used to treat various types of seizure disorders, to prevent migraine headaches, and to control mania associated with bipolar disorder.
- Divalproex sodium may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking divalproex sodium?
- Do not take divalproex sodium if you have liver disease or a urea cycle disorder.
- Divalproex sodium is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Malformations of the face and head, heart, and nervous system have been reported. Do not take divalproex sodium without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- Divalproex sodium passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take divalproex sodium without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
- Children younger than 2 years of age are at an increased risk for liver damage, especially if divalproex sodium is taken with other seizure medicines.
How should I take divalproex sodium?
- Take divalproex sodium exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Take divalproex sodium with food if it causes stomach upset.
- Do not crush, chew, or break the capsules or delayed- or extended-release tablets (Depakote, Depakote ER). Swallow them whole.
- The sprinkle capsules can either be swallowed whole or opened and sprinkled onto some soft food such as applesauce or pudding.
- Your doctor may want you to have blood tests during treatment. It is important for your doctor to know how much medication is in your blood and how well your liver is working.
- Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.
- Do not stop taking this medication if you have a seizure disorder, even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking divalproex sodium to prevent the seizures from recurring.
- Store divalproex sodium at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a divalproex sodium overdose include unconsciousness, sleepiness or drowsiness, faint or no heartbeat, decreased breathing, or stopped breathing.
What should I avoid while taking divalproex sodium?
- Divalproex sodium may interact with other drugs that cause drowsiness, including alcohol, antidepressants, antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if divalproex sodium is taken with alcohol or any of these medications. Talk to your doctor before taking divalproex sodium in combination with alcohol or any other medicines, including herbal products.
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Divalproex sodium may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.