Depakote
Divalproax
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Depakote
Depakote is an anti convulsant medicine. The mechanism of action of Depakote is reduction and prevention of number of seizures by controlling the abnormal activity of nerve impulses in the brain and CNS (central nervous system).
Therapeutic Uses of Depakote
Depakote is used in the treatment of epilepsy. It is used in epilepsy to control seizures. It is also used in the treatment of migraine headache and manic depressive illness (manic phase of bipolar disorders).
Direction of use of Depakote
Depakote should be used as your doctor directs you to use. It is taken orally and can be taken along with food or on empty stomach. If you get stomach irritation after taking Depakote on empty stomach than take it with food to reduce gastric irritation. The tablet has to be swallowed as a whole without breaking it, crushing it or chewing it. Take Depakote at the same time everyday; it will be easier to remember and give best result. Depakote has to be taken for prolonged period and continue taking it even if you feel better. Do not miss a dose because there is requirement of maintaining constant level of Depakote in blood to get best result and to prevent seizures.
Dose of Depakote, if Missed
If a dose of Depakote is missed it should be taken as soon as possible. If you miss for long period and it is time for the next dose than skip the missed dose and take the next dose as usual. Do not take double dose at a time to catch up with the missed dose.
How to Store Depakote
Depakote should be stored at temperature 86 degree F or 30 degree C. It is stored away from moisture heat, light in a dry place. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
More Information About Depakote
Depakote should by the person to whom it is prescribed and should not be shared. If you do not get any improved result with Depakote, consult your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Depakote
Consult your doctor or other health care provider if you have any problem listed below and stop using Depakote:
- If you are allergic to the medicine or any of the ingredients of Depakote.
- If you have history of liver disease, low levels of the enzyme ornithine carbamoyltransferase or any disorders of urea metabolism.
Important notes to remember:
- Depakote can cause dizziness or sedation, so do not drive or do risky works that require constant attention until you know how you react to it.
- Depakote can harm the growing fetus during pregnancy. It should not be taken during pregnancy and if you think you are pregnant while taking Depakote you should discuss with your doctor about the risks of it to the growing fetus. It is secreted in the breast milk and you should not take Depakote if you are breast feeding or if you take it you should not breast feed your baby.
- Do not stop taking Depakote abruptly as it may precipitate seizures.
- In elderly use Depakote cautiously as they are more sensitive to its effects like sedation.
- It should be used with extreme caution in children below 10 years of age. The effectiveness as well as safety of Depakote is not established in children below 10 years of age. Children below 2 years are at high risk of having liver problem if Depakote is used in them.
- If you are getting any dental care, emergency care or surgery you should inform your doctor for dentist that you are taking Depakote.
- If you are a diabetic patient and taking Depakote, it may give wrong results of urine tests for ketone bodies. You should also ask your doctor if you have to change diet or diabetic medicines.
- Lab tests like liver function tests, kidney function tests, blood cell counts etc. can be performed during therapy with Depakote and these tests can be used to monitor the effectiveness and side effects of it. Keep and follow all the lab appointments with your doctor.
- Depakote can cause pancreatitis and it is a potentially life threatening condition. Symptoms of pancreatitis are vomiting, stomach ache, loss of appetite etc. Keep your doctor informed if you have any symptom that can be pancreatitis.
Possible Adverse Effects
- Consult your doctor if you have any of the common side effects with Depakote and if they become bothersome; like nausea, vomiting, headache, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, stomach ache, weight gain or weight loss, dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia etc.
- Get medical attention right away if you have any of the serious but uncommon side effects like severe allergic reaction (itching, rash, hives, difficulty in breathing, tightness in chest, swelling in face, lips, mouth and tongue), persistent nausea, persistent vomiting general body discomfort, tiredness, loss of coordination, hallucinations, abnormal thinking, changes in mood, changes in behavior, confusion, memory loss, tremor, difficulty micturition (urination) and other urination problems, stomach pain, joint pain, chest pain, abdominal cramps, fever, loss of appetite, high pulse rate, irregular heartbeat, palpitation, unusual bleeding, change vision, speech problem, involuntary movements of hands and legs, loss of hearing, ; involuntary movements or chewing movements of face, jaw, mouth, or tongue, dark color urine, sore throat, changes in menstruation, etc.
