Depakote ER (Oral)
Questions
| Reviews 
breastfeeding while on depakote ER
Two weeks ago i had a baby and am breastfeeding. I started on depakote ER one week ago and it seems to have slowed down lactation. Have you heard of this side effect before? My baby is not gaining the weight he is supposed to. So i was wonde...
by addie callahan in salem, oregon, USA, 08/14/2007
How to give Depakote sprinkles to a child that can't swallow.
I have a 7 year old student who is taking Depakote Sprinkles but he cannot swallow much. I do not know how he really gets because he drools alot. He gets all nutrition through a gastrointestinal tube. I usually open the capsule and put it under his to...
by Alicia Robinson in Philadelphia, Pa, 10/11/2006
Is Depakote ER for Children?
I am wanting to know if this is for a child who is 6 years old? My step-child is taking this med. and we would like to know the side effects and why a child this young would be taking this med. Please tell me all the information that you have on this ...
by Angie in Albany, GA, 08/06/2006
is this an maoi inhibitor
I am interested in taking weight loss pills and I need to know if I will have adverse side effects due to mixing the two drugs. Thank you ,Ian
by ian banker in st. charles il, 07/29/2006
Depakote ER (Oral) Drug and Prescription Information
Depakote ER (Oral)
Depakote ER (Oral) Medication Classification
DIVALPROEX (By mouth)
Depakote ER (Oral) Brandname
Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkles
Depakote ER (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 ER (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 ER (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 ER (Oral) Storage
Store Depakote ER (Oral) at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture unless otherwise stated by manufacturer's instructions or labelling. Keep Depakote ER (Oral) and all medications out of the reach of children.
What To Avoid While Using Depakote ER (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 ER (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 ER (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
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