Depakote
From Pharmacy Drug Guide
Depakote (divalproex sodium), manufactured by Abbot Laboratories, is prescribed to treat seizures and migraine headaches, as well as manic episodes that stem from bipolar disorder. The medicine comes in three forms: Depakote, Depakote ER and Depakote Sprinkle Capsules. While all three forms are used to combat seizures, only Depakote and Depakote ER are used for manic episodes and migraine prevention. All forms of Depakote may be used in combination with other seizure-fighting medications, but are also used alone in some cases. Depakote is FDA-approved for use by adults or youth age 10 or older.[1]
Depakote has a drug savings card for up to $75 dollars off for insured patients, and a printable coupon for up to $75 off for self-pay patients with no insurance coverage. Patients can download both from home.[2]
 Depakote | |
| Brand name for | Divalproex sodium |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Abbott Laboratories; others for generics |
| Generics available? | Yes[3] |
| Uses | Controls seizures, migraine headaches and manic episodes[1] |
| Common side effects | Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, changes in appetite, weight changes, back pain.[4] |
| Major side effects | Unusual bruising or bleeding, purple spots on the skin, fever, weakness in the joints[4] |
| Warnings | Depakote can cause potentially-fatal liver problems; children born to mothers who take the Depakote during pregnancy have an increased risk autism and developmental problems[1] |
| Disclaimer | The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician. |
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About Depakote
Depakote is classified as a nonconvulsant, and increases levels of a substance that exists naturally in the brain to treat patients with seizures, migraine headaches or manic episodes. Sometimes the drug is also used for other conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among youth, chorea, and other illnesses that diminish the capacity for learning.[5]
Prescription Drugs
Depakpote Abuse
Depakote is not listed among the Drug Enforcement Agency's list of controlled substances, which consists of drugs that are considered to have abuse potential.[6] Some research has suggested that Depakote may actually be a promising treatment for withdrawal symptoms among alcohol abusers. Benzodiazepines, which are traditionally used for the same purpose, have a risk for abuse themselves, while Depakote reportedly does not. Thus, Depakote is a potentially-preferable treatment.[7]
Depakote Side Effects
Some of the most common side effects of Depakote include upset stomach, strong drowsiness, pain in the stomach, rash, tremors, increased or reduced appetite, weight gain or weight loss, amnesia, infection, swelling of body parts, insomnia, pain in the back or elsewhere in the body, moodiness, unusual thoughts, staggered gait, depression, flu symptoms, hair loss, nervousness, and ear-ringing.[1]
Depakote can cause drowsiness, potentially making it unsafe to drive. Drinking alcoholic beverages can enhance the effects of any drowsiness that is caused by Depakote.[5]
Depakote is not recommended for pregnant women. Research among expecting mothers who used Depakote have showed that their children underperformed those of mothers taking other types of anti-seizure medicines during their pregnancies. In addition, Depakote babies are more prone to autism and other developmental issues.[1]
Depakote and Depakote ER are to be taken whole, and not broken or chewed. The sprinkles may be swallowed whole or sprinkled on food, but the food is not to be chewed. It is meant for soft foods like applesauce.[1]
In some cases, patients may have increased ammonia levels, or suffer from low body temperature on Depakote.
Also See: Depakote Side Effects, Depakote Coupons, Abbott Patient Assistance Programs, Gabapentin, Gabapentin Coupons, Gabapentin Side Effects, Keppra Side Effects, Lyrica Coupons, Lyrica Side Effects, Neurontin Side Effects, Lamictal Free Samples, Lithium, Lithium Coupons, Lithium Side Effects
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References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 http://www.depakoteer.com/
- ↑ http://www.depakoteer.com/prescription-savings.cfm
- ↑ http://bipolar-disorder.emedtv.com/depakote/generic-depakote.html
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000677/
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682412.html#why
- ↑ http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/orangebook/c_cs_alpha.pdf
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11916372
