Product Details: Depakote (Divalproex Sodium)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Sanofi Aventis

Description

This medicine is an anticonvulsant used to control seizures. It may also be used to treat migraine headaches, manic episodes, and other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN WITH FOOD if it upsets your stomach. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and it is within 6 hours of the missed dose, take it as soon as possible. Take the remaining doses of the day at evenly spaced intervals. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and you are taking 1 dose daily, 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. 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 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, indigestion, drowsiness, 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, 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, mental changes, 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