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Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR
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Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR

Manufactured bySanofi India Ltd.
ContainsDivalproex
Description
Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR is a prescription medicine that contains Divalproex. It is used in the treatment of certain types of seizures (a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain causing abnormal behaviour and loss of consciousness). It is also used for the treatment of mania (extreme high energy or mood) or mixed episodes in bipolar disorder (a mental condition that causes intense mood swings from mania to depression) and to prevent migraine headaches. Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR works by decreasing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR may cause side effects like fatigue, loss of coordination, dry mouth, nausea, diarrhoea, etc. Consult your doctor if these side effects persist or become severe. Avoid driving vehicles or operating machines as this medicine can cause dizziness or drowsiness, and can affect your ability to focus. Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR may also cause mood and behavioural changes. If you experience mood changes or suicidal thoughts, contact your doctor immediately. Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR may be taken with or without food as prescribed by your doctor. The dose and duration of treatment will be determined by your doctor based on your condition. Take this medicine at the same time every day for the ease of remembering. Also, continue taking Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR for the prescribed duration as abrupt discontinuation may cause increased seizure frequency. Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR is not recommended for use if you are allergic to it or have liver problems. Inform your doctor if you have kidney problems or any other medical conditions before taking this medicine. Also, inform your doctor about all your ongoing medications, as certain medications may interact with Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR and cause undesired effects. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or are breastfeeding.
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Side effectsConcernsUsageRelated products

Substitutes

List of substitutes for Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR

Dilpra 500 MG Tablet XR
Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Divalpro 500 MG Tablet XR
Zydus Cadila
Rex-Xr 500 MG Tablet XR
Abbott India Ltd.
Trend 500 MG Tablet XR
Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR

  • Diarrhoea
  • Confusion
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Unusual tiredness and weakness
  • Sleepiness
  • Anxiety
  • Blurred vision
  • Yellow colored eyes or skin
  • Weight gain
  • Acid or sour stomach
  • Skin rash
  • Irregular menstrual periods
  • Ear pain
  • Dizziness

Uses of Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR

What is it prescribed for?

  • Epilepsy
  • Mania
  • Migraine Prophylaxis
Read More
Concerns

Commonly asked questions

  • How long does it take for this medicine to take effect?
    The amount of time required for Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR to show its action is not clinically established.
  • How long do the effects of this medicine last?
    The amount of time for which Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR remains active in your body is not clinically established.
  • Is it safe to consume alcohol while taking this medicine?
    Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR as it may increase the risk of side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty in concentration.
  • Is this a habit forming medicine?
    No habit-forming tendency has been reported for Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR.
  • Can this medicine be taken during pregnancy?
    Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR is unsafe for use during pregnancy as it can harm your foetus. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant.
  • Can this medicine be taken while breast-feeding?
    Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR is not recommended for use while breastfeeding unless absolutely necessary. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Allergy

Avoid taking Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR if you are allergic to this medicine. Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms such as a skin rash, hives (itchy, painful eruptions that sting), swelling (especially of your face, lips, tongue, etc.), breathing difficulty, etc.

Urea cycle disorders

Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR is not recommended for use in patients with urea cycle disorders (a genetic condition that causes high ammonia levels in the blood) or have a family history of urea cycle disorder.

Porphyria

Porphyria is a condition that occurs due to the build-up of a chemical called porphyrin in your body. It can cause nerve or skin problems. Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR is not recommended for use if you have porphyria as it may worsen your condition.

Active liver disease

Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR is not recommended for use if you have liver problems due to the increased risk of liver injury.
Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR is unsafe for use during pregnancy as it can harm your foetus. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant.

Breast-feeding

Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR is not recommended for use while breastfeeding unless absolutely necessary. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
General warnings

Suicidal ideation

Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR should be used with caution due to the increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts. Closely observe for any change in behaviour or mood while you are taking this medicine. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience changes in your mood and behaviour or develop thoughts of self-harm.

Withdrawal symptoms

Abrupt discontinuation of Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR may increase the seizure frequency. Hence your doctor will recommend a gradual dose reduction over a period. Avoid the discontinuation of this medicine without consulting your doctor.

Driving and operating machines

Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Avoid performing activities that require mental alertness, such as driving vehicles or operating machines, if you experience such symptoms while taking this medicine.

Skin reactions

Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR should be used with caution as it may cause severe skin reactions causing blistering and peeling of the skin (such as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome).

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis refers to swelling of the pancreas (a gland that produces chemical substances that help digestion and regulation of blood sugar). Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR should be used cautiously as it may cause pancreatitis in rare cases.

Missed Dose

If you forget to take a dose of Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.

Overdose

Never take more than the prescribed dose. Seek emergency medical treatment in case of an overdose of Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol

Description

N/A

Instructions

Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR as it may increase the risk of side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty in concentration.
Interaction with Medicine

Warfarin

Ethinyl Estradiol

Disease interactions

Kidney Disease

Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR should be used with caution if you have kidney problems due to the increased risk of side effects. Your doctor may recommend dose adjustments based on your clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions

Thyroid function tests

Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR may alter thyroid function tests. It is advised that you inform the doctor and the laboratory technicians about this medicine before undergoing the test.

Urine ketone test

Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR may lead to a false interpretation of the urine ketone test. It is advised that you inform the doctor and the laboratory technicians about this medicine before undergoing the test.
This is not an exhaustive list of possible drug interactions. You should consult your doctor about all the possible interactions of the drugs you’re taking.
Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR may be taken with or without food. Do not break, chew, or crush the tablet. Take Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR around the same time every day to maintain a constant level in your body. Do not stop taking Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR without consulting your doctor, as it may further worsen your condition. Avoid driving vehicles or operating machines after taking this medicine, as it can cause sleepiness and/or dizziness and affect your ability to focus. Your doctor may recommend periodic blood tests to monitor your complete blood counts while you are taking this medicine. Keep Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR away from the reach of children and pets. Ensure that the unused or expired medication is disposed of properly.
Miscelleneous

Can be taken with or without food, as advised by your doctor

To be taken as instructed by doctor

Causes sleepiness

How it works
Depakote 500 MG Tablet XR works by decreasing the excitability of the nerve cells in the brain.
Legal Status

Approved

Approved

Unknown

Unknown

Classification

Category

Anticonvulsants

Schedule

Schedule H

Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2022. Valproic acid. [online] Available at: [Accessed 11 July 2022].

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Valproic-acid

Drugs, H., 2022. Valproic Acid: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: [Accessed 11 July 2022].

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682412.html

Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2022. DailyMed - DIVALPROEX SODIUM ER- divalproex sodium tablet, film coated, extended release. [online] Available at: [Accessed 11 July 2022].

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=da69287c-2f37-4299-b444-914c1ab0054c
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Information on this page was last updated on 25 Aug 2022

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