Safely Buy Depakote ( Divalproex ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.

Indications

Depakote is an antiepileptic drug used to help treat epilepsy and bipolar I disorder. The medication may also be prescribed to help prevent episodic migraines, cluster headaches, and chronic headaches.

Divalproex limits repeated firing on the sodium channel, regulates glial glutamate transporters, and inhibits transmitter transporter proteins. This works to remove glutamate from synaptic regions and prolong GABA action, helping prevent epileptic seizures.

Depakote is also commonly used to treat mania related to bipolar I disorder. Its efficacy has been found comparable to that of lithium and olanzapine in controlled trials.

Uses and Dosage

The dose of Depakote prescribed will depend on the person and condition being treated. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.

• Swallow the tablet whole
• Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated
• If you cannot swallow the pill, open it and sprinkle into pudding or applesauce and eat right away
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can
• Do not double your dose

Recommended dosages:

• For mania, adults normally start with 750mg daily divided
• For seizures, adults start with 15mg a day
• For migraines, adults usually take 250mg twice daily

Side Effects

Since this medication interacts with your brain chemicals, it may cause some side effects. Speak with your doctor for more information and advice on any that you may encounter while taking Depakote.

Common Depakote side effects:

• Nausea, vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea, constipation
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Weakness
• Tremors
• Memory problems
• Mood changes
• Trouble sleeping
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Fever, flu symptoms
• Runny nose, sore throat, cough, wheezing, trouble breathing
• Problems walking or with coordination
• Swelling in hands or feet
• Blurred or double vision
• Unusual eye movements
• Ringing ears
• Rash
• Hair loss
• Changes in weight or appetite

Serious Side Effects

Speak with your doctor about any new or worsening symptoms you experience. Let them know if you notice changes in your mood or behavior, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you become impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, or have suicidal thoughts.

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice the following more serious symptoms:

• Easy bruising
• Unusual bleeding of the nose, mouth, or gums
• Small purple or red spots under your skin
• Fever
• Swollen glands
• Mouth sores
• Confusion, tiredness
• Cold feeling
• Vomiting
• Changes in your mental state
• Severe drowsiness
• Worsening seizures

Call your doctor right away if you notice signs of liver or pancreas problems while taking this medication. Symptoms include loss of appetite, stomach pain, ongoing nausea or vomiting, dark urine, face swelling, or jaundice.

Allergic Reactions

Do not take Depakote if you are allergic to Divalproex sodium. Stop taking it and see your doctor if you notice signs of an allergic reaction.

Depakote allergy symptoms may include:

• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling in face or throat
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Burning eyes
• Skin pain
• Red or purple rash
• Blistering or peeling skin

Cautions

You should avoid taking Depakote if you have liver disease, an urea cycle disorder, low platelet counts, or a genetic mitochondrial disorder. This medication could lead to liver failure which may be fatal, especially for children under the age of two.

If you are pregnant and are taking Depakote for seizures, consult with your doctor. This medication may be harmful for an unborn baby but having a seizure could also cause much harm. Avoid taking Depakote for migraines when pregnant.

Consult with your doctor and keep them updated if you start or stop using hormonal birth control containing estrogen. Divalproex sodium can interact with estrogen and become less effective in seizure prevention.

Many drugs may interact with Divalproex and cause unwanted side effects; tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including vitamins and herbal products, before starting Depakote.

Form and Strength

This medication is available as delayed release tablets.

Depakote tablet strength availability:

• 125mg
• 250mg
• 500mg

All strengths of delayed release tablets are available in quantities of 100 while the 250 and 500mg ones are also available in groups of 90.

FAQ

What time of day should I take Depakote?

You can take Depakote at any time of the day that is most convenient. The time you take it won’t increase or decrease its effectiveness. Try to pick a time you will be able to remember best and stick to that.

Can I stop taking Depakote any time?

Talk to your doctor before stopping Depakote. If you suddenly stop taking this medication, side effects and other issues may arise. Your doctor can best discern a course of action and outline other treatment options if needed.

Will Depakote cause me to gain weight?

One of the side effects of taking Depakote is changes in appetite. This can lead to fluctuations in weight including increases.

Resources:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15021860/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15021862/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17508169/
4. https://www.drugs.com/depakote.html
5. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=08a65cf4-7749-4ceb-6895-8f4805e2b01f
6. https://www.depakote.com/faqs