Brand Names: Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkles

Generic Name: divalproex sodium (Pronunciation: dye val PRO ex)

• What is divalproex sodium (Depakote)?
• What are the possible side effects of divalproex sodium (Depakote)?
• What is the most important information I should know about divalproex sodium (Depakote)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking divalproex sodium (Depakote)?
• How should I take divalproex sodium (Depakote)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Depakote)?
• What happens if I overdose (Depakote)?
• What should I avoid while taking divalproex sodium (Depakote)?
• What other drugs will affect divalproex sodium (Depakote)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is divalproex sodium (Depakote)?

Divalproex sodium affects chemicals in the body that may be involved in causing seizures.

Divalproex sodium is used to treat various types of seizure disorders. Divalproex sodium is sometimes used together with other seizure medications.

Divalproex sodium may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Depakote 125 mg

oval, pink, imprinted with a NT

Depakote 250 mg

oblong, peach, imprinted with a NR

Depakote 500 mg

oblong, lavender, imprinted with a NS

Depakote ER 250 mg

oval, white, imprinted with aHF

Depakote ER 500 mg

oval, gray, imprinted with aHC

Depakote Sprinkles 125 mg

turquoise/white, imprinted with THIS END UP, DEPAKOTE SPRINKLE 125 mg

Divalproex Sodium Delayed-Release 125 mg-TEV

oval, orange, imprinted with 93/7439

Divalproex Sodium Delayed-Release 250 mg-TEV

oval, peach, imprinted with 93/7440

Divalproex Sodium Delayed-Release 500 mg-TEV

oval, peach, imprinted with 93/7441

What are the possible side effects of divalproex sodium (Depakote)?

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.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• unexplained weakness with vomiting and confusion or fainting;
• easy bruising or bleeding, blood in your urine;
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• urinating less than usual;
• hallucinations (seeing things that aren't there);
• extreme drowsiness, lack of coordination; or
• double vision or back-and-forth movements of the eyes.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild drowsiness or weakness;
• diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach;
• depression, anxiety, or other emotional changes;
• changes in your menstrual periods;
• enlarged breasts;
• tremor (shaking);
• hair loss;
• weight changes;
• vision changes; or
• unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about divalproex sodium (Depakote)?

In rare cases, divalproex sodium has caused life-threatening liver failure, especially in children younger than 2 years old. Children may be at even greater risk for liver problems if they use more than one seizure medication, if they have a metabolic disorder, or if they have a brain disease causing mental impairment (such as Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, Huntington disease, multiple sclerosis, or a brain injury or infection).

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.

Divalproex sodium can cause birth defects. Do not use this medication without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

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.