Depakote

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Brand Name: Depakote

Generic Name: Divalproex sodium

Primary Use: Bipolar disorder, Epilepsy

Dosage Forms:

• Delayed-Release oral tablets of 125mg, 250mg and 500mg
• Extended-Releaseoral tablets of 500mg
• Sprinkle capsules of 125mg
• Oral capsules of 250mg
• Injectables (IV): 100mg/mL
• Syrup 250mg/5mL

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Indigestion
• Headache
• Tremors
• Drowsiness
• Fast switching between emotions
• Lack of energy
• Dizziness
• Visual disturbances
• Hair loss
• Abdominal and back pain

Serious side effects:

• Liver damage
• Osteoporosis
• Pancreatitis

How long should it be taken?

As per doctor’s advice.

Effectiveness:

• Depakote has proven effective in the treatment of Bipolar Disease.
• The Extended-Release formulation has shown better efficacy and lesser adverse effects in comparison to the Delayed-Release form.
• Depakote has been reported to have completely controlled absence seizures in the majority of users.
• About 80% of patients with new tonic-clonic seizures did not have a single episode of seizure during the treatment with Depakote.