Depakote: Uses, indications and cautions when using

Depakote (divalproex sodium) is used to treat various types of seizure disorders, sometimes used together with other epilepsy medicines to treat seizures in people who have had epilepsy since 10 years of age. In addition, depakote is also used in adults to prevent migraines or to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder (manic depression).

Depakote is used to treat seizure disorders, certain mental conditions (manic episodes of bipolar disorder), and to prevent migraines.
The drug's mechanism of action is by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

Depakote is to be taken by mouth as directed by your doctor. You can take it with food if you have an upset stomach. Swallow the tablet whole without crushing or chewing it as it may irritate the mouth or throat.
The dose of the drug has been calculated based on the patient's age, weight, medical condition, response to treatment and other medications that the patient may be taking. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all products you are using (including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products). Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit, and also remember to take it at the same time each day to keep blood levels constant.
If medication is used to treat seizures, do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor. The condition may get worse if the medicine is stopped suddenly. The dose of the drug may need to be gradually reduced until it is completely stopped.
Depakote alone does not relieve acute migraine attacks. Instead, take other medications prescribed by your doctor for exacerbations.

Do not take this medicine with other medicines. When you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Don't double the dose to catch up. Overdose symptoms may include: excessive drowsiness, coma, irregular/slow heartbeat.

3.1 Side Effects Possible side effects when taking depakine with caution include diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, hair loss, blurred/double vision, menstrual cycle changes, ringing in the ears, tremors, unsteadiness, weight changes. If any of these effects persist or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist right away.
Sometimes the patient can see part of the pill in the stool. This can happen if you have certain intestinal disorders (such as ileostomy, colectomy). Tell your doctor about this situation to adjust the dosage form accordingly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medicine after judging that the benefits outweigh the risk of side effects. Most patients who use this drug have no serious side effects.
A small number of people taking anticonvulsants for any condition (such as seizures, bipolar disorder, pain) may experience depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, or psychiatric problems /other mood. Tell your doctor right away if you or your family/caregiver notice any unusual/sudden changes in the person's mood, thoughts or behavior, including signs of depression. feelings, suicidal ideation/attention, thoughts about harming oneself.
Serious (sometimes fatal) brain disorders are rare, especially in patients with certain metabolic disorders (urea cycle disorders). Tell your doctor right away if you have unexplained weakness, vomiting, or sudden mental/mood changes (such as confusion).
Also, seek medical care early if you notice any serious side effects while taking the medication, including: Chest pain, easy bruising/unexplained bleeding, fast/slow/no heartbeat unevenness, swelling of the hands/feet, uncontrolled eye movements (nystagmus), cold/tremor feeling, rapid breathing, loss of consciousness.
The possibility of a very serious allergic reaction to depakote is very rare. However, go to the hospital if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: Fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

3.2 Precautions for side effects Before taking divalproex sodium, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it; or valproic acid or sodium valproate; or if you have any other allergies, the medicine may contain inactive ingredients and cause an allergic reaction.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, pancreatitis, certain metabolic disorders (such as urea cycle disorder, Alpers syndrome- Huttenlocher), alcohol abuse, bleeding problems, brain disease (dementia), kidney disease, low body water (dehydration), poor nutrition.
To reduce the risk of skin damage, bruising or injury, use caution with sharp objects such as razors and nail clippers and avoid violent activities such as contact sports.
Depakote may make you dizzy, drowsy, or blurred vision. Alcohol or marijuana (marijuana) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machines, or do anything that requires alertness or clear vision until you feel you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages while taking the drug.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, especially drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness or tremors. However, side effects of anxiety, dizziness, and unsteadiness can increase the risk of falls.
In addition, Depakote is not recommended during pregnancy because it can harm the unborn baby. Also, this medicine has been shown to pass into breast milk and although there have been no reports of harm to a nursing infant, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug interactions can change the way a drug works or increase the risk of serious side effects.
Some products may interact with Depakote, including: antidepressants, certain antibiotics, irinotecan, mefloquine, orlistat, other medicines to treat seizures (e.g. ethosuximide, lamotrigine, phenytoin, rufinamide, topiramate), rifampin, warfarin, vorinostat, zidovudine.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, marijuana, antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), sleeping or depressants (such as alprazolam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), and opioid pain relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone).

Check the labels on all medicines (such as allergy or cough and cold products) as they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using these products safely.
In a nutshell, Depakote (divalproex sodium) is an antiepileptic drug, prescribed by doctors to treat seizure disorders and prevent migraines. Because of Depakote's side effects that can be serious and sometimes fatal, as well as the potential for birth defects in children whose mothers took the drug during pregnancy, it should only be used when indicated and as directed. correct medication dosage.

Reference source: webmd.com