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Depakote
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Depakote
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Depakote Drug Center
Medical Editor: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD
Depakote (divalproex sodium) is a stable co-ordination compound comprised of sodium valproate and valproic acid used to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, epilepsy, and migraine headaches. Generic Depakote (termed divalproex sodium) is available under several other names. Side effects of Depakote include GI symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation, mood swings, agitation, abnormal body movements, and hair loss.
Depakote tablets are available in strengths of 125, 250 and 500 mg tablets. The dose depends on the problem being treated, the age of the patient, and the patient's response to the medication. In general, the maximum recommended dosage is 60 mg/kg/day; some doctors may use lab tests to determine peak and trough (low) level of the drug. Severe side effects of Depakote include liver toxicity and pancreatitis. Other potentially severe side effects include unusual bruising or bleeding, blisters, severe rash, confusion, difficulty swallowing or breathing, joint weakness, depression, and suicidal ideation. Depakote interacts with other drugs (for example, carbapenem antibiotics) that may decrease its levels; it may react with other drugs so the doctor will need a list of drugs the patient is taking. Depakote has been used in children under 2 yrs of age, but they have a high incidence of liver problems. Use of Depakote is not recommended in pregnancy; there is clear evidence of risk to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risk for pregnant women who have a serious condition that cannot be treated effectively with a safer drug. However, many doctors suggest there is little risk to the infant even though the drug can be detected in breast milk, although they suggest the infant be monitored for any effects.
Our Depakote Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information as well as related drugs, user reviews, supplements, and diseases, and conditions.
What is Prescribing information?
The FDA package insert formatted in easy-to-find categories for health professionals and clinicians.
Depakote Prescribing Information: Indications & Dosage
Mania
DEPAKOTE (divalproex sodium) is indicated for the treatment of the manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. A manic episode is a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood. Typical symptoms of mania include pressure of speech, motor hyperactivity, reduced need for sleep, flight of ideas, grandiosity, poor judgement, aggressiveness, and possible hostility.
The efficacy of DEPAKOTE (divalproex sodium delayed release tablets) was established in 3-week trials with patients meeting DSM-III-R criteria for bipolar disor...
Read the complete drug monograph for Depakote »
What is Depakote Prescribing Information?
Drug Description - Indications & Dosage - Side Effects & Drug Interactions - Warnings & Precautions - Contraindications - Medication Guide and More
What is Patient information?
Easy-to-read and understand detailed drug information and pill images for the patient or caregiver from Cerner Multum.
Depakote Patient Information: Side Effects
Seek emergency medical attention if the person taking this medicine has 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. Some of these symptoms may also be early signs of pancreatitis.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
...Read the complete patient information for Depakote »
What is Depakote Patient Information?
Possible Side Effects - Images - What Is - How Should I Take It - What If I Miss a Dose - What Should I Avoid and More
What is Consumer information?
A concise overview of the drug for the patient or caregiver from First DataBank.
Depakote Consumer Information: Uses
This medication is used to treat seizure disorders, certain psychiatric conditions (manic phase of bipolar disorder), and to prevent migraine headaches. It works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking divalproex sodium and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. You may take it with food if s...
Read the complete consumer information for Depakote »
What is Depakote Consumer Information?
Warnings - Uses - How to Use - Side Effects - Precautions - Drug Interactions and More
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Additional Depakote Information
Depakote - User Reviews
Depakote User Reviews
Now you can gain knowledge and insight about a drug treatment with Patient Discussions.
Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Depakote sorted by most helpful.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
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