What is Divalproex?
Divalproex sodium is a stable coordination compound used to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, epilepsy, and migraine headaches, consisting of sodium valproate and valproic acid. The following different brand names are available for Divalproex sodium: Depakote, Depakote ER, and Depakote Sprinkles.
Divalproex Uses
This medication is used for the treatment of seizure disorders, certain psychiatric conditions, and for the prevention of migraine headaches (manic phase of bipolar disorder). It works by restoring the balance of certain substances in the brain that are natural (neurotransmitters).
How to use
- Before you start taking divalproex sodium and each time you get a refill, read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet that your pharmacist provides.
- This medication is generally taken by mouth. If a stomach upset occurs, you can take it with food. Swallow the whole tablet. Do not crush or chew a tablet that might irritate the throat or mouth.
- The dosage depends on your age, weight, medical condition, treatment response, and other medications that you might be taking. To get the most benefits from it, use this medication regularly.
- Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor if it is used for seizures. If the drug is stopped suddenly, your condition may become worse. Your dose may need to be lowered progressively.
- Acute migraine headaches are not relieved by Divalproex sodium. Take other drugs for acute attacks as advised by your physician.
How it works
The oral tablet Divalproex sodium belongs to a class of medications called anti-epileptics. A class of medicines that functions in a similar manner. For the treatment of related conditions, these medications are used. This drug works by increasing the concentrations of a certain chemical in the brain, GABA, which decreases your nervous system's excitability. This helps to treat manic spells and seizures and to avoid migraine headaches.
Dosage and administration
Divalproex is also taken with hesperidin in combination. Scientific research suggests the following doses:
Orally: For internal hemorrhoid treatment: 1350 mg of Divalproex plus 150 mg of hesperidin twice daily for 4 days, 900 mg of Divalproex, and 100 mg of hesperidin twice daily for 3 days, respectively. Some researchers also try Divalproex 600 mg three times a day for 4 days, followed by Divalproex 300 mg twice a day for 10 days, in combination with psyllium 11 grams a day. Nevertheless, this lower dose of Divalproex does not seem to be as successful.
For the prevention of recurrence of internal hemorrhoids: Divalproex 450 mg plus hesperidin 50 mg twice daily for 3 months of treatment.
The combination of 900 mg of Divalproex and 100 mg of hesperidin daily has been used for up to 2 months in the treatment of leg wounds due to blood flow issues (venous stasis ulcers).
Dosage forms and strengths
Dosages expressed as equivalents of valproic acid
-125mg
-250mg
-500mg
Tablet, extended-release feature (Depakote ER)
-250mg
-500mg
CAPSULE (Depakote Sprinkles)
-500mg
Missed Dose
If you forgot to take a dose, take it as soon you remember.
Overdose
Do not take too much. It may cause you severe health issues. Do not take two doses at one time, maintain the time gap between the doses.
Storage
Keep away from sunlight and moisture in a dry position at or below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Unless directed to do so, do not flush drugs down the toilet or dump them into a drain. When it gets expired or no longer required or needed, properly discard this product.
Important information
- This medication has alerts in black boxes. What are the most extreme Food and Drug Administration alerts (FDA). Black box alarms notify doctors and patients about potentially harmful drug results.
- Liver damage warning: This medication can cause severe, life-threatening liver damage, especially in children younger than 2 years of age and those with certain inherited neurometabolic syndromes. During the first 6 months of treatment with this drug, the risk of severe liver injury may be higher. In certain situations, even after you stop taking the medication, liver damage can continue. Your doctor will closely watch you for signs and check your liver function before and during your treatment.
- Warning about birth defects: This medication can cause serious damage to your fetus. Your baby is at risk for serious birth defects if you take this medication during pregnancy. These include birth defects that affect the heart, head, arms, legs, brain, spinal cord, and the opening where urine comes out. In the first month of pregnancy, these defects can happen before you know you're pregnant. This medication can also cause your baby's IQ and thought, learning, and emotional disabilities to decrease.
- Warning about pancreatitis: This drug may cause pancreatitis (severe inflammation in your pancreas). This disorder can be fatal. This can occur soon after you begin treatment or several years after the medication has been used.