Information about Divalproex (Generic Depakote) :


Divalproex sodium prevents influence of the chemicals in the body that may cause seizures. Divalproex sodium alone or in combination with other seizure drugs is administered to treat various types of seizure disorders.
It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your physician.

What is the most important information I should know about Divalproex sodium?
You should be aware that in rare cases, Divalproex sodium may cause life-threatening liver failure. It is more likely to occur in children younger than 2 years old. The risk of liver problems may be increased in children of this age in case they take more than one seizure drug, if they have a metabolic disorder, or if they have a brain disease causing mental impairment (such as Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, Huntington disease, multiple sclerosis, or a brain injury or infection).

Before using Divalproex:
Before using Divalproex you should tell your doctor if you use any medications listed below: topiramate (Topamax); tolbutamide (Orinase); a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin); aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol); zidovudine (Retrovir); clozapine (Clozaril, Fazaclo); diazepam (Valium); meropenem (Merrem); rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater); ethosuximide (Zarontin); or another seizure medicine such as phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol), phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), felbamate (Felbatol), lamotrigine (Lamictal), or clonazepam (Klonopin).

In case you are taking any of these drugs, you may not be able to use Divalproex sodium, or you may need a special dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment. It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any prescription and over-the-counter medications you use.

Rarely Divalproex usage may lead to life-threatening pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). It can turn up out of the blue and symptoms may appear even after you have been using Divalproex sodium for several years. You should seek emergency medical attention in case you have nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or loss of appetite, low fever, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage or pancreatitis.

Before using Divalproex you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; a history of head injury, brain disorder, or coma; a family history of a urea cycle disorder; a family history of infant deaths with unknown cause; or HIV or CMV (cytomegalovirus) infection.

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this medicine.

Divalproex is proved to be harmful to fetus. You should not take this medication without medical consultation in case you are pregnant or could become pregnant. Women should use an effective form of birth control while taking Divalproex. Do not take Divalproex sodium without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give up using this medicine even if you feel better.

Take Divalproex regularly. It helps to prevent seizures from recurring. Consult with your doctor immediately in case this drug does not seem to be working as well in preventing your seizures.

You should swallow the pill whole without crushing, chewing, breaking, or opening a delayed-release or extended-release tablet or capsule.

Always carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet with information that you are taking Divalproex sodium, in case of emergency.

Notice any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider that you are using Divalproex sodium.

Try to exclude taking other drugs that cause somnolency (such as other seizure medicines, alcohol, cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for depression or anxiety) as the effect may be summarized.

How to take Divalproex sodium:
You should take this medication exactly as recommended by your doctor. Each dose ought to be taken with a full glass of water. It is good idea to drink plenty of water while you are using this drug. You may also open the Divalproex sodium sprinkle capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of pudding or applesauce to make swallowing easier. Swallow this mixture immediately without chewing. Do not keep the mixture for further use.

To monitor your progress or to check for side effects lab tests (liver function) may be performed. Follow all doctor and lab appointments strictly.

Divalproex should be kept at indoor temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?
In case you miss a dose of Divalproex, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses at once to catch up.

What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention in case an overdosage is suspected. Symptoms of overdose are sleepiness or drowsiness, shallow breathing, weak pulse, or loss of consciousness.

What should I avoid while taking Divalproex sodium?
Try to avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase the risk of the side effects.

You should know that Divalproex sodium may lead to impairments of your thinking or reactions. Be careful in case you drive or do anything that requires attention.

Your skin may be more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn while taking Divalproex. Try to avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). It is recommended to use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing in case you are not able to avoid such exposure.

Divalproex sodium side effects:
Seek emergency in case you have any of these severe side effects: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or loss of appetite, low fever, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage. Some of these symptoms may also be early signs of pancreatitis.

You should tell your doctor immediately in case you have any of these serious side effects: unexplained weakness with vomiting and confusion or fainting; easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; fever, skin rash, swollen glands; fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; urinating less than usual; blood in your urine; hallucinations (seeing things that aren't there); weakness, lack of coordination; a red, blistering, peeling skin rash; extreme drowsiness; unusual bleeding or bruising; or double vision or back-and-forth movements of the eyes.

Do not stop taking Divalproex sodium but consult with your doctor in case you have any of these less serious side effects: drowsiness or weakness; diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach; depression, anxiety, or other emotional changes; changes in your menstrual periods; enlarged breasts; tremor (shaking); hair loss; weight changes; a red, blistering, peeling skin rash; vision changes; or unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth.

What is the shelf life of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.