Depakote
What is Depakote?
Depakote (divalproex sodium) affects chemicals in the body that may be involved in causing seizures.
Depakote is used to treat various types of seizure disorders. It is sometimes used together with other seizure medications.
Depakote is also used to treat manic episodes related to bipolar disorder (manic depression), and to prevent migraine headaches.
Depakote may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Do not use Depakote to prevent migraine headaches if you are pregnant.
If you take Depakote for seizures or manic episodes: Do not start or stop taking the medicine during pregnancy without your doctor's advice. Divalproex sodium may cause harm to an unborn baby, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both the mother and the baby.
A Friend In Need: Getting Smart With Mental Illness
SLIDESHOW
A Friend In Need: Getting Smart With Mental Illness
You should not use Depakote if you have liver disease, a urea cycle disorder, or a genetic disorder such as Alpers' disease or Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome (especially in a child younger than 2 years old).
Depakote can cause liver failure that may be fatal, especially in children under age 2 and in people with liver problems caused by a genetic mitochondrial (MYE-toe-KON-dree-al) disorder.
Call your doctor at once if the person taking this medicine has early signs of liver or pancreas problems, such as: loss of appetite, upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back), ongoing nausea or vomiting, dark urine, swelling in the face, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Depakote if you are allergic to divalproex sodium, or if you have:
liver disease;
a urea cycle disorder; or
a genetic mitochondrial (MYE-toe-KON-dree-al) disorder such as Alpers' disease or Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome, especially in a child younger than 2 years old.
Depakote can cause liver failure that may be fatal, especially in children under age 2 and in people with liver problems caused by a genetic mitochondrial disorder.
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
liver problems caused by a genetic mitochondrial disorder;
a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts or actions;
a family history of a urea cycle disorder or infant deaths with unknown cause; or
HIV or CMV (cytomegalovirus) infection.
Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking Depakote. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.
Do not use Depakote to prevent migraine headaches if you are pregnant.
If you take Depakote for seizures or manic episodes: This medicine can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects, and may affect cognitive ability (reasoning, intelligence, problem-solving) later in the child's life. However, having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both the mother and the baby. Do not start or stop taking the medicine during pregnancy without your doctor's advice.
Use effective birth control while using Depakote, and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you start or stop using hormonal contraception that contains estrogen (birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings). Estrogen can interact with divalproex sodium and make it less effective in preventing seizures.
Seizure control is very important during pregnancy. The benefit of preventing seizures may outweigh any risks posed by taking Depakote. There may be other seizure medications that can be more safely used during pregnancy. Follow your doctor's instructions about taking this medicine while you are pregnant.
Divalproex sodium can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Depakote?
Take Depakote exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Drink plenty of water while you are taking this medication. Your dose may need to be changed if you do not get enough fluids each day.
You may open the Depakote sprinkle capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of pudding or applesauce to make swallowing easier. Swallow this mixture right away.
Do not crush, chew, break, or open a delayed-release or extended-release tablet or capsule. Swallow it whole.
While using Depakote, you may need frequent blood tests.
Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take Depakote. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Depakote.
Do not stop using Depakote suddenly, even if you feel fine. Stopping suddenly may cause a serious, life-threatening type of seizure. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
See also: Dosage Information (in more detail)
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
Drinking alcohol may increase certain side effects of Depakote.
Depakote may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Divalproex sodium can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
Depakote side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: to Depakote hives; fever, swollen glands, mouth sores, difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if the person taking this medicine has early signs of liver or pancreas problems, such as: loss of appetite, upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back), ongoing nausea or vomiting, dark urine, swelling in the face, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these other side effects:
confusion, tiredness, cold feeling, vomiting, change in your mental state;
easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, or gums), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
severe drowsiness;
worsening seizures;
signs of inflammation in your body - swollen glands, flu symptoms, severe tingling or numbness, muscle weakness, chest pain, new or worsening cough with fever, trouble breathing; or
severe skin reaction - fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
Common Depakote side effects may include:
mild nausea or vomiting, mild stomach pain, diarrhea;
headache, mild dizziness, weakness, tremors;
problems with balance or walking;
blurred vision, double vision; or
changes in appetite, weight gain.
