Depakote (Divalproex Sodium EC)

What is Depakote?

Depakote known as Divalproex or Valproate semisodium is a stable coordination compound.

What is Depakote used for?

Depakote is used for the treatment of bipolar disorder and seizures. It cures acute manic or mixed episodes, with or without psychotic symptoms, where patients can be detected with abnormally and persistently high, expansive, or irritable mood.

How does Depakote work?

Depakote boosts up the Gamma amminobutyric acid or GABA in the brain, which limits the interaction of messages between other neurotransmitters, and thereby, controls the seizures.

How to use Depakote

Depakote is a once-a-day oral drug. However, Depakote is prescribed by the doctors as per the age and body weight of the patient. Do not take the medicine in larger amounts or for longer periods than recommended.

Depakote tablets should be swallowed entirely, should not be crushed or chewed. It is to be taken after meals, as it can result in upset stomach, if taken without food.

Depakote warnings and precautions

As the drug is related to brain disorders, it should be taken very carefully. Although, some side effects are not that serious and disappear after using Depakote for few weeks, but if they prevail, consult a doctor.

Hepatic, epileptic patients and people suffering from genetic disorders, especially the ones related to brain, should be extra cautious. Tell your doctor about your medical history especially if you have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, HIV or CMV infection, or a history of head injury, urea cycle disorder, coma, or brain disorder.

Pregnant and lactating women must not take this medicine unless advised by their doctors. It can harm not only an unborn baby, but also a nursing infant. It is advisable that you take effective birth control treatments while taking this medicine.

What do I do if I have missed a Depakote dose?

If you have missed your Depakote dose, you should never take two doses at a time to cover up the missed one. However, if you have sufficient time gap for taking another one, you can take it.

What do I do if I have taken a Depakote overdose?

If you have taken a Depakote overdose, you should consult a doctor. If the dose is very high, look for emergency services. 

Depakote interactions

As Depakote is responsible for slowing the functioning of over active brain cells, its effect gets intense, if you take alcohol along with it. This medicine should be taken after prior advice from specialists, as its interaction with other drugs can either increase or decrease or change the consequent effects of the medication.

Especially check the combination of Depakote with other seizure drugs or treatments. Also, consult a doctor, if you are already taking sleeping pills, tranquilizers, asprin, cyclosporins and blood thinners. A list of drugs that can possibly interact with Depakote includes topiramate (Topamax), zidovudine (Retrovir), tolbutamide (Orinase), clozapine (Clozaril, FazaClo), ethosuximide (Zarontin), diazepam (Valium), meropenem (Merrem), or rifampin (Rimactane, Rifadin, Rifater).

Depakote side effects

Some common side effects of this drug are nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, and jaundice. These symptoms indicate a commencement of liver damage or pancreatitis initiation.  

Serious side effects of the Depakote include behavioral changes, depression, agitation, restlessness, and hyperactive mental or physical activities.

Also, weakness, stomach upset, hair loss and weight changes such as weight loss or gain are among lesser harmful side effects of Depakote that fade away gradually.