Brand Name: Depakote
Generic Name: Divalproex

DIVALPROEX

(DI-val-proe-ix)

NEWLY DISCOVERED USES (OFF-LABEL)
Alcohol withdrawal, Alzheimer’s disease, cocaine addiction, impulsive aggressive disorder, schizoaffective disorder

ORIGINAL USES (ON-LABEL)
Single drug or combination therapy for the treatment seizures, to treat mania associated with bipolar disorder, and for migraine prophylaxis

BRAND NAME
Depakote Delayed Release, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkle

DRUG CLASS
Anticonvulsant, antimanic, antimigraine

DESCRIPTION
This drug increases the body’s response to a certain type of acid, decreasing the response to certain stimulus.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Somnolence, dizziness, tremor, uncoordinated gait, abnormal thinking, amnesia, nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, abdominal pain, increased appetite, anorexia, changes in vision, weight gain, back pain, hair loss, chest pain, rash.

CAUTIONS

• Notify your doctor if you have liver impairment, are pregnant, are taking other anticonvulsants, or have HIV or cytomegalovirus infections.
• Use may cause severe blood disorders (decrease in platelets and clotting), thus increasing risk of bleeding.
• Tremors may be a sign of toxicity.
• Life-threatening pancreatitis has been associated with use.
• Do not suddenly discontinue use of this drug, may increase seizure risk. Gradually decrease usage over time, if necessary.
• This medication may cause drowsiness. Use caution in activities requiring alertness or using other drugs or substances that decrease alertness.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Clonazepam, diazepam, lamotrigine, nimodipine, phenobarbital, tricyclic antidepressants, phenytoin, carbamazepine, chlorpromazine, macrolides, felbamate, isoniazid, aspirin, clozapine, Lamotrigine, cholestyramine, acyclovir, mefloquine.

This drug is metabolized by a specific set of liver enzymes. Several other drugs interfere with these liver enzymes, and thus may increase or decrease the clearance of divalproex from the body, potentially increasing the risk of side effects or decreasing effectiveness. When these drugs are given in combination with divalproex dosage adjustments may be needed. As these are too numerous to list, you should always check with your doctor or pharmacist prior to starting a new medication, herbal, or nonprescription product.

FOOD INTERACTIONS
Avoid alcohol. If stomach upset occurs, take with food.

HERBAL INTERACTIONS
Evening primrose

PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING CAUTIONS
FDA Pregnancy Risk Category D. Excreted in breast milk. Consult your doctor.

SPECIAL INFORMATION
Do not chew capsules. Swallow whole. Sprinkle capsules may be opened and sprinkled on a small amount of soft food (applesauce, pudding) and swallowed immediately.