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Depakote |
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Depakote can help with seizure
(convulsion) control in certain types of
epilepsy. This drug is used for other
conditions, such as the treatment of bipolar
disorder, mania, the prevention of migraines,
and control of behavioral problems associated
with dementia. Generic Depakote delayed or
extended-release tablets or capsules are not yet
available. |
HOW
TO USE: Tablets: Take depakote sodium
delayed-release tablets or extended-release
tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the
prescription label. Swallow the tablets whole with
a drink of water; do not crush or chew. If
divalproex sodium upsets your stomach, take it
with food or milk; do not take with carbonated
drinks. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do
not take your medicine more often than directed.
Sprinkle capsules: The capsules can be swallowed
whole following the directions for the tablets, or
the capsules may be opened carefully and the
contents sprinkled on about one teaspoonful of
applesauce or pudding. This mixture must be
swallowed immediately; do not chew or store for
later use. Follow the directions on the
prescription label. Take your doses at regular
intervals. Do not take your medicine more often
than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care
professional regarding the use of this medicine in
children. Special care may be needed.
SIDE EFFECTS: Side
effects that you should report to your prescriber
or health care professional as soon as possible:
agitation, restlessness, irritability, or other
changes in mood; blurred or double vision or
uncontrollable eye movements; changes in the
frequency or severity of seizures; double vision,
or involuntary eye movements; redness, blistering,
peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside
the mouth; skin rash or itching; stomach pain or
cramps; trembling of hands or arms; unusual
bleeding or bruising or pinpoint red spots on the
skin; unusual swelling of the arms or legs;
unusual tiredness or weakness; yellowing of skin
or eyes.
Side effects that usually do not require medical
attention (report to your prescriber or health
care professional if they continue or are
bothersome): breast enlargement, unusual
production of breast milk; changes in menstrual
periods; clumsiness or unsteadiness; diarrhea or
constipation; difficulty speaking; dizziness or
drowsiness; headache; increased sensitivity to sun
or ultraviolet light; irregular menstrual cycle;
loss of bladder control; loss of hair or unusual
growth of hair; loss or increase in appetite;
nausea or vomiting; skin rash, itching; weight
gain or loss.
PRECAUTIONS: Visit
your prescriber or health care professional for a
regular check on your progress.
If you are taking depakote to treat epilepsy
(seizures), do not stop taking valproic acid
suddenly. This increases the risk of seizures.
Wear a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace. Carry an
identification card with information about your
condition, medications, and prescriber or health
care professional.
Do not change brands or dosage forms of depakote
without discussing the change with your prescriber
or healthcare professional.
You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision.
Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that
needs mental alertness until you know how
divalproex sodium affects you. To reduce dizzy or
fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly,
especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol
can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid
alcoholic drinks.
Depakote sodium can cause blood problems. This can
mean slow healing and a risk of infection.
Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in
the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid
damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or
floss your teeth.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your
prescriber or health care professional that you
are taking divalproex sodium.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Agents
that dissolve blood clots; alcohol; antacids;
antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as
ibuprofen); aspirin; barbiturate medicines for
inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions);
blood thinners; isoniazid; medicines for mental
depression; medicines for mental problems and
psychotic disturbances; other seizure (convulsion)
or epilepsy medicines.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional
about all other medicines you are taking,
including non-prescription medicines, nutritional
supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your
prescriber or health care professional if you are
a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or
alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal
drugs. These may affect the way your medicine
works. Check with your health care professional
before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
NOTES: Prescriber
needs to know if you have any of these conditions:
blood disease; brain damage or disease; kidney
disease; liver disease; low blood proteins; urea
cycle disorder (UCD); an unusual or allergic
reaction to divalproex sodium, other medicines,
foods, dyes, or preservatives; pregnant or trying
to get pregnant; breast-feeding.
MISSED DOSE: If
you take only one dose each day, take the missed
dose as soon as you remember. If you do not
remember until the next day, skip the missed dose
and go on with your regular schedule. Do not take
double or extra doses. If you take more than one
dose a day and miss a dose, take it if you
remember within 6 hours. Space the other doses for
that day at regular intervals, do not take two
doses at once.
STORAGE: Keep out
of reach of children in a container that small
children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 25
degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Keep container
tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine
after the expiration date. |
Soon we will have it setup so you can order
Depakote online, check back soon! |
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