What is divalproex ER used for?

What is divalproex ER used for?

Divalproex sodium is used to treat certain types of seizures (epilepsy). This medicine is an anticonvulsant that works in the brain tissue to stop seizures. Divalproex sodium is also used to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness) and helps prevent migraine headaches.

What is divalproex used for and side effects?

This medication is used to treat seizure disorders, certain psychiatric conditions (manic phase of bipolar disorder), and to prevent migraine headaches. It works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

Who should not take divalproex?

You should not use divalproex sodium if you are allergic to it, or if you have: liver disease; a urea cycle disorder; or. a genetic mitochondrial (MYE-toe-KON-dree-al) disorder such as Alpers’ disease or Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome, especially in a child younger than 2 years old.

How long does it take for Depakote ER to start working?

Tablets take 4 hours to reach a peak, Depakote sprinkles take just over three. Food can delay the absorption of Depakote (food has a more significant effect on the tablets compared with the sprinkles). It may take several weeks of regular dosing before an effect on mood or seizure frequency is reported.

Does divalproex help with anxiety?

Conclusions: These findings suggest that divalproex sodium is useful in the treatment of patients with panic disorder and concomitant mood instability, who are refractory to conventional treatment.

What does divalproex do to the brain?

Divalproex sodium works by increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. The body produces GABA naturally. It is a chemical neurotransmitter — or brain messenger. Faster than normal electrical impulses in the brain can cause erratic impulses.

Does Depakote ER make you sleepy?

A: Common side effects experienced with Depakote include drowsiness, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, low platelet count, tremors, tiredness, and hair loss. The side effects may be mild to moderate, but they may also be signs of a more serious condition.

Is divalproex used for depression?

Conclusions: These pilot results indicate that divalproex is effective in reducing the symptoms of depression and anxiety in bipolar I, depressed phase. These positive results support the need to perform a larger, multisite study of divalproex treatment for bipolar depression.

Does Depakote make you feel weird?

Does divalproex affect memory?

Divalproex treatment was associated with accelerated brain volume loss over 1 year and perhaps with greater cognitive impairment. The long-term clinical effects of these changes are not known.

Should I take Depakote ER in the morning or at night?

Q: What time of day should I take Depakote? A: You should take Depakote at a time of day when you can best remember to take it consistently—for instance, in the morning with breakfast or in the evening before you go to bed.

What are signs of Depakote toxicity?

Call your doctor at once if the person taking this medicine has signs of liver or pancreas problems, such as: loss of appetite, upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back), ongoing nausea or vomiting, dark urine, swelling in the face, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

What does the name divalproex mean?

Divalproex (a derivative of valproate or valproic acid) is a prescription medication used to treat seizures and manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder and to prevent migraines. Divalproex belongs to a group of drugs called anticonvulsants or anti-epileptic drugs. These work by increasing the amount of certain chemicals in the brain.

What conditions does divalproex sodium ER treat?

Divalproex sodium is used to treat certain types of seizures (epilepsy). This medicine is an anticonvulsant that works in the brain tissue to stop seizures. Divalproex sodium is also used to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness) and helps prevent migraine headaches.

Is divalproex a controlled substance?

When treating epilepsy and manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder: There is positive evidence of human fetal risk during pregnancy. When treating migraine: Not for use in pregnancy. Divalproex sodium 500 mg is not a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

What is divalproex sodium used for?

Divalproex sodium is used to treat various types of seizure disorders. Divalproex sodium is sometimes used together with other seizure medications. Divalproex sodium is also used to treat manic episodes related to bipolar disorder ( manic depression ), and to prevent migraine headaches.