Brand name : DEPAKOTE
( DEPAKOTE, DIVALPROEX )
Pronounced: DEP-uh-coat
Generic name: Divalproex sodium (Valproic acid)
Why is Depakote prescribed?
Depakote, in both delayed-release tablet and capsule form, is used to
treat certain types of seizures and convulsions. It may be prescribed
alone or with other epilepsy medications.
The delayed-release tablets are also used to control the manic episodes--periods
of abnormally high spirits and energy--that occur in bipolar disorder
(manic depression).
An extended-release form of Depakote, Depakote ER, is prescribed to prevent
migraine headaches. The delayed-release tablets are also used for this
purpose.
Most important fact about Depakote
Depakote can cause serious or even fatal liver damage, especially during
the first 6 months of treatment. Children under 2 years of age are
the most vulnerable, especially if they are also taking other anticonvulsant
medicines and have certain other disorders such as mental retardation.
The risk of liver damage decreases with age; but you should always
be alert for the following symptoms: loss of seizure control, weakness,
dizziness, drowsiness, a general feeling of ill health, facial swelling,
loss of appetite, vomiting, and yellowing of the skin and eyes. If
you suspect a liver problem, call your doctor immediately.
Depakote has also been known to cause life-threatening damage to the
pancreas. This problem can surface at any time, even after years of
treatment. Call your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following
warning signs: abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting.
How should you take Depakote?
Take the tablet with water and swallow it whole (don't chew it or
crush it). It has a special coating to avoid upsetting your stomach.
If you are taking the sprinkle capsule, you can swallow it whole or
open it and sprinkle the contents on a teaspoon of soft food such as
applesauce or pudding. Swallow it immediately, without chewing. The
sprinkle capsules are large enough to be opened easily.
Depakote can be taken with meals or snacks to avoid stomach upset. Take
it exactly as prescribed.
If you miss a dose...
If you take Depakote once a day, take your dose as soon as you remember.
If you don't remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and
return to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.
If you take more than one dose a day, take your dose right away if
it's within 6 hours of the scheduled time, and take the rest of the
day's doses at equal intervals during the day. Never take 2 doses at
the same time.
Storage instructions Depakote ( DEPAKOTE, DIVALPROEX )
Store at room temperature.
DEPAKOTE ( DEPAKOTE, DIVALPROEX ) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Because Depakote is often used
with other antiseizure drugs, it may not be possible to determine whether
a side effect is due to Depakote alone. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Depakote.
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, abnormal thinking, breathing difficulty, bronchitis,
bruising, constipation, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, emotional
changeability, fever, flu symptoms, hair loss, headache, incoordination,
indigestion, infection, insomnia, loss of appetite, memory loss,
nasal inflammation, nausea, nervousness, ringing in the ears, sleepiness,
sore throat, tremor, vision problems, vomiting, weakness, weight
loss or gain
Why should Depakote not be prescribed?
You should not take Depakote if you have liver disease or your liver
is not functioning well, or if you have a genetic abnormality known
as urea cycle disorder (UCD).
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Depakote,
you should not take Depakote.
Special warnings about Depakote
This medication can severely damage the liver (see "Most important
fact about Depakote"). Your doctor will test your liver function
before you begin taking Depakote and at regular intervals thereafter.
Also remember that the drug can damage the pancreas (see "Most
important fact about Depakote"). This problem can worsen very rapidly,
so be sure to contact your doctor immediately if you develop any symptoms.
In people with a rare set of genetic abnormalities called urea cycle
disorders, Depakote may adversely effect the brain. Signs of a developing
problem include lack of energy, repeated attacks of vomiting, and mental
changes. If you suspect a problem, see your doctor immediately. Depakote
may have to be discontinued.
Depakote causes some people to become drowsy or less alert. You should
not drive or operate dangerous machinery or participate in any hazardous
activity that requires full mental alertness until you are certain
the drug does not have this effect on you.
Do not abruptly stop taking this medicine without first consulting
your doctor. A gradual reduction in dosage is usually required.
Depakote prolongs the time it takes blood to clot, which increases your
chances of serious bleeding.
This drug can also increase the effect of painkillers and anesthetics.
Before any surgery or dental procedure, make sure the doctor knows
you are taking Depakote.
If you are taking Depakote to prevent migraine, remember that it will
not cure a headache once it has started.
Some coated particles from the capsules may appear in your stool.
This is to be expected, and need not worry you.
Possible food and drug interactions when
taking Depakote
Depakote depresses activity of the central nervous system, and may increase
the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking Depakote.
If Depakote without prescriptions is taken with certain other drugs,
the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It
is
especially
important
to check with your doctor before combining Depakote with the following:
Amitriptyline (Elavil)
Aspirin
Barbiturates such as phenobarbital and Seconal
Blood thinners such as Coumadin
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
Merrem IV (meropenem for injection)
Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
Other seizure medications, including carbamazepine (Tegretol), clonazepam
(Klonopin), ethosuximide (Zarontin), felbamate (Felbatol), lamotrigine
(Lamictal), phenytoin (Dilantin), and Primidone (Mysoline)
Rifampin (Rifater, Rimactane)
Sleep aids such as Halcion
Tolbutamide (Orinase)
Tranquilizers such as Valium and Xanax
Zidovudine (Retrovir)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Depakote may produce birth defects if it is taken during pregnancy. If
you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
Depakote appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If
Depakote is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue
breastfeeding until your treatment with Depakote is finished.
Recommended dosage for Depakote
EPILEPSY
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. An overdose
of Depakote can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention
immediately.
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