Product Details: Depakote ER (Divalproex Sodium)

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is an anticonvulsant used to control seizures in adults and children 10 years of age and older. It is also used to prevent migraine headaches and to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. An additional patient information leaflet is available with this medicine. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN WITH FOOD if it upsets your stomach. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. THIS MEDICINE WORKS BEST when there is a constant level of this medicine in your body. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take the missed dose if you remember the same day. Skip the missed dose if you do not remember until the next day. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. Before switching brands of this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes aspirin. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, indigestion, drowsiness, dizziness, weight gain, or hair loss. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience the following side effects or symptoms of toxicity: diarrhea, abdominal cramps, unusual bleeding or bruising, change in weight, tremor, changes in mood or behavior, change in menstrual period, swelling of the face, loss of appetite, extreme tiredness, yellowing of skin or eyes, unusual weakness, or severe stomach pain with nausea and vomiting. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Divalproex Sodium