Treats seizures (epilepsy). Also used to treat mood disorders and prevent migraine headaches. Belongs to a class of drugs called anticonvulsants.
Brand Names:
Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkles
Contraindications:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to valproic acid or divalproex in the past, if you have severe liver disease, or if you are pregnant.
Uses:
Long Acting Tablet, Coated Tablet, Delayed Release Capsule
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
May be taken with food to lessen stomach upset.
Swallow the capsule or tablet whole. Do not crush, break or chew.
You may open the sprinkle capsule and mix the medicine beads with a small amount (about a spoonful) of soft food such as applesauce or pudding. Swallow the mixture whole. Do not chew.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
If a dose is missed:
If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
If you miss two or more doses, call your doctor.
Storage:
Keep this medicine in the original tightly closed container. Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Avoid drinking alcohol.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking "blood thinners" (medicines such as aspirin or Coumadin®) or if you are taking other medicines that could make you sleepy such as sleeping pills, cold medicine, or sedatives.
Warnings:
Check with your doctor before taking this medicine if you are breastfeeding, have liver or kidney disease or blood disorders.
Talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, tell your doctor right away. This medicine may be harmful to your unborn baby.
Because of the risk of increased seizures, do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor.
If you are taking this medicine in the form of sprinkles, you may see small amounts of the coating in your stool. This is normal.
This medicine may cause drowsiness. Be careful when driving or using machinery.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
