Depakote (Oral)
Questions
| Reviews 
We don't currently have any questions about Depakote (Oral).
Depakote (Oral) Drug and Prescription Information
Depakote (Oral)
Depakote (Oral) Medication Classification
DIVALPROEX (By mouth)
Depakote (Oral) Brandname
Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkles
Depakote (Oral) is used for the Treatment
Divalproex Sodium (dye-VAL-pro-ex SO-dee-um) Treats seizures (epilepsy). Also used to treat mood disorders and prevent migraine headaches. Belongs to a class of drugs called anticonvulsants.
When To Not Use Depakote (Oral)
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to valproic acid or divalproex in the past, if you have severe liver disease, or if you are pregnant.
How Should You Use Depakote (Oral)
Long Acting Tablet, Coated Tablet, Delayed Release Capsule
- Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
- May be taken with food to lessen stomach upset.
- Swallow the capsule or tablet whole. Do not crush, break or chew.
- You may open the sprinkle capsule and mix the medicine beads with a small amount (about a spoonful) of soft food such as applesauce or pudding. Swallow the mixture whole. Do not chew.
- Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. If a dose is missed:
- If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
- If you miss two or more doses, call your doctor.
Proper Depakote (Oral) Storage
Store Depakote (Oral) at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture unless otherwise stated by manufacturer's instructions or labelling. Keep Depakote (Oral) and all medications out of the reach of children.
What To Avoid While Using Depakote (Oral)
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Avoid drinking alcohol.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking "blood thinners" (medicines such as aspirin or Coumadin®) or if you are taking other medicines that could make you sleepy such as sleeping pills, cold medicine, or sedatives.
Depakote (Oral) Warnings
- Check with your doctor before taking this medicine if you are breastfeeding, have liver or kidney disease or blood disorders.
- Talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, tell your doctor right away. This medicine may be harmful to your unborn baby.
- Because of the risk of increased seizures, do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor.
- If you are taking this medicine in the form of sprinkles, you may see small amounts of the coating in your stool. This is normal.
- This medicine may cause drowsiness. Be careful when driving or using machinery.
Depakote (Oral) Side Effects
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Loss of seizure control
- Severe weakness or dizziness
- Severe vomiting that doesn't go away
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Rash or hives with itching If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Nausea, vomiting, or stomach cramps
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- Restlessness or irritability
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Trembling of hands or arms
- Hair loss
