Divalproex (By mouth)
dye-VAL-proe-ex SOE-dee-um
Treats seizures. Also treats the manic phase of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness) and helps prevent migraine headaches.
Drug classes
Anticonvulsant, Antimigraine (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Divalproex sodium is used to treat certain types of seizures (epilepsy). This medicine is an anticonvulsant that works in the brain tissue to stop seizures.
Divalproex sodium is also used to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness), and helps prevent migraine headaches.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Delayed Release Capsule, Delayed Release Tablet, Coated Tablet, Long Acting Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
You may take this medicine with food to decrease stomach upset.
Capsule, extended-release tablet, or tablet: Swallow the medicine whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Sprinkle capsule: You may open the capsule and pour the medicine into a small amount of soft food such as pudding or applesauce. Stir this mixture well and swallow it without chewing.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. If you miss 2 or more doses, call your doctor.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how divalproex sodium works. Tell your doctor if you are using the following:
Aspirin, amitriptyline, clonazepam, diazepam, nortriptyline, rifampin, tolbutamide, zidovudine Antibiotics, such as ertapenem, imipenem, meropenem A blood thinner, such as warfarin Other seizure medicines (carbamazepine, ethosuximide, felbamate, lamotrigine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, topiramate)Alcohol, narcotic pain relievers, or sleeping pills may cause you to feel more lightheaded, dizzy, or faint when used with this medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to divalproex, valproate sodium, valproic acid, if you are pregnant, or if you have liver disease or certain genetic disorders (such as urea cycle disorder or mitochondrial disorders, including Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome).
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use birth control to prevent pregnancy.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or pancreas problems.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Liver problems Pancreatitis Hyperammonemic encephalopathy (high levels of ammonia in the blood that could harm your brain)This medicine may cause depression or thoughts of suicide. Tell your doctor if you have a history of depression or mental illness.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Confusion, problems with memory, muscle twitching, problems with balance, walking, or speech
Dark urine or pale stools, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Fever, rash, swollen glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness
Thoughts of hurting yourself, depression, unusual changes in behavior
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Anxiety, agitation, restlessness, trouble sleeping
Blurred or double vision, dizziness, drowsiness
Constipation, diarrhea, stomach upset
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Alti-Valproic, Depakote, Depakote DR, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkles
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
