Depakote, also called Divalproex, belongs to a class of medicines called Anticonvulsants that are used in the treatment of epilepsy. Depakote is also an Antimanic, and is used to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder, and as a deterrent to migraine headaches. Depakote forms Valproic Acid once in your body.
Be sure to tell your doctor of any allergies you have whether it is to medication or food, preservatives, or dyes. Tell your doctor immediately if you are, or become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, as Depakote has been known to cause birth defects and other problems with unborn babies. Also, tell your doctor of any other medications you are taking, including vitamins and supplements, and any medical conditions you may have.
Avoid alcohol when taking this medicine.
It is very important that you take this medicine exactly as your doctor tells you to. Do not take more or less medicine than directed, and never stop taking Depakote without discussing it with your doctor first.
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do NOT double doses.
Tell your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur: body aches or pain ; congestion; cough; dryness or soreness of throat; fever ; hoarseness runny nose; tender, swollen glands in neck ; trouble in swallowing; voice changes; abdominal or stomach cramps; behavioral, mood, or mental changes; blurred vision;; confusion; ; continuous, uncontrolled back-and-forth and/or rolling eye movements; earache, redness or swelling in ear; dizziness; double vision; faintness, or light-headedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly; sweating; unusual tiredness or weakness; fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse; heavy, nonmenstrual vaginal bleeding; increase in seizures; loss of appetite; nausea or vomiting; rapid weight gain; spots before eyes; swelling of face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet; tingling of hands or feet; tiredness and weakness; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual weight gain or loss; vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds; or yellow eyes or skin.
Divalproex sodium is a stable co-ordination compound comprised of sodium valproate and valproic acid in a 1:1 molar relationship and formed during the partial neutralization of valproic acid with 0.5 equivalent of sodium hydroxide. Chemically it is designated as sodium hydrogen bis(2-propylpentanoate). DEPAKOTE tablets are for oral administration. DEPAKOTE tablets are supplied in three dosage strengths containing divalproex sodium equivalent to 125 mg, 250 mg, or 500 mg of valproic acid. DEPAKOTE tablets: cellulosic polymers, diacetylated monoglycerides, povidone, pregelatinized starch (contains corn starch), silica gel, talc, titanium dioxide, and vanillin. 125 mg tablets: FD&C Blue No. 1 and FD&C Red No. 40.
250 mg tablets: FD&C Yellow No. 6 and iron oxide.
500 mg tablets: D&C Red No. 30, FD&C Blue No. 2, and iron oxide.
Depakote has the following structural formula:
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