Depakote

Depakote Drug Information

• Depakote Overview

  Depakote is used to treat seizure disorders, certain psychiatric conditions (manic phase of bipolar disorder), and to prevent migraine headaches. It works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

• Depakote Warnings

  Rarely, Depakote has caused serious (sometimes fatal) liver problems, usually within the first 6 months of starting treatment. Laboratory tests should be performed before you start treatment and periodically during treatment, especially within the first 6 months, to monitor this side effect. The risk of serious liver problems is increased in children younger than 2 years, especially if they have an inherited metabolic disorder, severe seizure disorder with mental retardation, organic brain disease, or if they take more than one seizure medication. Talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of using Depakote in children younger than 2 years. Due to an increased risk for liver problems, people with certain inherited metabolic disorders (such as Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome) should not use Depakote. Children younger than 2 years who might have these disorders should not use Depakote. Children older than 2 years who might have these disorders should be closely monitored during treatment with divalproex sodium. Talk to your doctor for details. Depakote has rarely caused severe (sometimes fatal) disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis). This may occur at any time during treatment and can quickly worsen. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of liver problems or pancreatitis such as unusual tiredness, weakness, swelling of the face, stomach/abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, or persistent nausea/vomiting. Taking Depakote during pregnancy can cause birth defects and may lower your child's IQ. Women of childbearing age should discuss the risks and benefits of Depakote, other treatment options, and use of reliable forms of birth control with their doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately talk to your doctor. If you are taking divalproex sodium only to prevent migraine headaches, Depakote must not be used during pregnancy. If you are taking divalproex sodium to treat seizures or mental/mood problems (such as bipolar disorder), do not stop taking Depakote unless directed by your doctor. Untreated seizures and mental/mood problems (such as bipolar disorder) are serious conditions that can harm both a pregnant woman and her unborn baby.

• How to Use Depakote

  Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking divalproex sodium and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take Depakote by mouth as directed by your doctor. You may take it with food if stomach upset occurs. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush or chew the tablet, which can irritate the mouth or throat. The Dosage of Depakote is based on your age, weight, medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Use Depakote regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use Depakote at the same time each day to keep the amount of medication in your blood constant. If Depakote is used for seizures, do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse if the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Divalproex sodium does not relieve acute migraine headaches. Take other medications as directed by your doctor for acute attacks. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve.

• Depakote Precautions

  Before taking divalproex sodium, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to valproic acid or valproate sodium; or if you have any other allergies. Depakote may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Depakote, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,liver disease, pancreatitis, certain metabolic disorders (such as urea cycle disorders, Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome), alcohol abuse, bleeding problems, brain disease (dementia), kidney disease, low body water (dehydration), poor nutrition. To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Depakote may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Depakote, especially drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness, or tremor. Drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness can increase the risk of falling. Depakote is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Depakote passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Depakote Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Depakote, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Depakote Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.certain antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline, phenelzine), certain antibiotics (carbapenems such as doripenem, imipenem), mefloquine, orlistat, other medications for seizure (e.g., ethosuximide, lamotrigine, phenytoin, rufinamide, topiramate), rifampin, warfarin, vorinostat, zidovudine. Low-dose aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually these dosages are 81-325 milligrams per day), should be continued. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are using aspirin for any reason. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), and opioid pain relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. Depakote may affect certain lab tests (e.g., urine ketones). Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use Depakote.

• Depakote Side Effects

  What are Depakote side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Depakote may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Depakote as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Depakote

  The side effects of Depakote may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Depakote. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Depakote may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Depakote, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Depakote.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Depakote, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Depakote and the side effects associated with Depakote are described in the following:

  Common Depakote Side Effects

  Severe

  • thrombocytopenic disorder
  • nystagmus
  • peripheral edema
  • dyspnea
  • accidental injury

  Less Severe

  • infection
  • depression
  • diplopia
  • tinnitus
  • pharyngitis
  • dyspepsia
  • constipation
  • bronchitis
  • irregular menstrual periods
  • alopecia
  • drowsy
  • dizziness
  • insomnia
  • fever
  • flu-like symptoms
  • general weakness
  • tremor
  • anorexia
  • weight gain
  • weight loss
  • headache disorder
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • acute abdominal pain
  • increased appetite
  • memory impairment
  • ecchymosis
  • blurred vision
  • ataxia
  • rhinitis

  Less Frequent Depakote Side Effects

  Severe

  • mood changes
  • altered mental status

  Less Severe

  • gait abnormality
  • nervousness
  • irritability
  • back pain
  • injection site sequelae
  • vasodilation of blood vessels
  • dysgeusia

  Rare or Very Rare Depakote Side Effects

  Severe

  • hyperammonemia
  • platelet aggregation inhibition
  • suicidal ideation
  • behavioral disorders
  • acute hepatic failure
  • acute pancreatitis
  • tardive dyskinesia
  • facial edema
  • jaundice
  • lymphadenopathy
  • abnormal hepatic function tests
  • hypothermia
  • fracture
  • osteoporosis
  • hepatitis
  • cutaneous vasculitis
  • hearing loss
  • polycystic ovarian syndrome
  • SIADH syndrome
  • aplastic anemia
  • pancytopenia
  • agranulocytosis
  • acute intermittent porphyria
  • skin photosensitivity
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • erythema multiforme
  • cystitis
  • eosinophilia
  • myocarditis
  • nephritis
  • abnormal spermatozoa morphology
  • anaphylaxis
  • bradycardia
  • lymphocytosis
  • hyperandrogenism
  • cerebral pseudoatrophy
  • encephalopathy
  • paradoxical convulsion
  • parkinsonism
  • DRESS syndrome
  • hypertension
  • bloody vomit
  • macrocytosis
  • leukopenia
  • anemia
  • neutropenic disorder

  Less Severe

  • excitement
  • visual changes
  • skin rash
  • muscle weakness
  • panic disorder
  • osteopenia
  • indifference
  • bone pain
  • urinary incontinence
  • gynecomastia
  • galactorrhea not associated with childbirth
  • abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • menstrual disorder
  • hostility
  • parotitis
  • conjunctivitis
  • abnormal hair texture
  • hair discoloration
  • hirsutism
  • azoospermia
  • asthenozoospermia
  • oligospermia
  • urinary tract infection
  • secondary amenorrhea
  • dysmenorrhea
  • dysuria
  • maculopapular rash
  • seborrhea
  • dream disorder
  • hyperreflexia
  • agitation
  • vertigo
  • hypokinesia
  • nail disorders
  • xerostomia
  • stomatitis
  • amblyopia
  • chest pain
  • malaise
  • tachycardia
  • palpitations
  • flatulence
  • petechiae
  • increased urinary frequency
  • symptoms of anxiety
  • hypertonia
  • cramps in legs
  • sinusitis
  • cough
  • epistaxis
  • personality disorders
  • dry skin
  • disturbance of attention
  • aggressive behavior

• Depakote Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Depakote when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.