Depakote Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Divalproex sodium affects chemicals in the body that may be involved in causing seizures. It works by increasing the amount of a certain natural substance in the brain. It is used alone or with other medications to treat various types of seizures.

Depakote Dosage

• For adults and children 10 years of age or older, the usual starting dose is 10 to 15 milligrams per 2.2 pounds per day, and it also depending on the type of seizure you have.
• The usual starting dose for aged 18 and over is 750 milligrams a day, and divided into smaller doses.
• Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Uses of Depakote

• It is used to prevent migraine headaches.
• Valproic acid is also used to treat mania including episodes of frenzied, abnormally excited mood in people with bipolar disorder.

Side Effects of Depakote

Before taken Depakote medicine, you should discuss the side effects with your doctor.  If any develop or change in intensity, then you should inform your doctor as soon as possible. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Depakote. Side effects may include:

• Abnormal thinking
• Breathing difficulty
• Constipation
• Depression
• Emotional changeability
• Fever
• Hair loss
• Incoordination
• Loss of appetite
• Memory loss
• Nasal inflammation
• Ringing in the ears
• Sleepiness
• Weakness
• Weight loss or gain

Warnings and precautions before taking Depakote

• You should tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products that you are taking or plan to take.
• If you are having surgery, such as dental surgery, then you should tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking valproic acid.
• Divalproex sodium should not be given to a child younger than 2 years of age without a doctor's consent.
• Do not use divalproex sodium without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.

Drug Interaction :-

If you are taking Depakote with certain other drugs, then it may be increased, decreased, or altered the effects of medicine. So it is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Depakote with the following:

• Amitriptyline
• Barbiturates such as phenobarbital and Seconal
• Cyclosporine
• Notriptyline
• Oral contraceptives
• Rifampin
• Sleep aids such as Halcion
• Tolbutamide
• Zidovudine

Overdose

After taken Depakote if you feel that overdose is suspected, then you should contact with your doctor immediately. Because it may lead to another serious effect. Symptoms of a Depakote overdose may include:

• Coma
• Extreme sleepiness
• Heart problems

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