Divalproex
Description
Divalproex is an anticonvulsant that is used to treat seizures and relieve migraine headaches. Take this medicine at the same time regularly. Do not take this medicine if you are suffering from impaired liver function.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Divalproex
- Diarrhea
- 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
- Forgetfulness
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Ear pain
Uses of Divalproex
What is it prescribed for?
- Epilepsy
- Mania
- Migraine Prophylaxis
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with this medicine due to the increased risk of side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty in concentration. It is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness like driving a vehicle or operating machinery during treatment with this medicine.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendency has been reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women except in life-threatening conditions. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor may prescribe a safer alternative based on your clinical condition.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug based on your clinical condition.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use if you have a known allergy to it or any other components present in it.
Severe Hepatic impairment
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known history of severe hepatic impairment.
Urea cycle disorders
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with urea cycle disorder (high ammonium levels in the blood) or family history of urea cycle disorder.
Mitochondrial disorders
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients and children who are suspected to have the mitochondrial disorder (POLG e.g Alpers-Huttenlocher Syndrome).
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women except in life-threatening conditions. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor may prescribe a safer alternative based on your clinical condition.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug based on your clinical condition.
General warnings
Pancreatitis
This medicine may cause Pancreatitis which is a serious life-threatening reaction. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative might be required based on the clinical condition.
Bleeding disorder
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with the bleeding disorder as it may cause Thrombocytopenia. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative might be required based on the clinical condition.
Suicidal behavior
Use of this medicine is reported to provoke suicidal thoughts and increased suicidal tendencies. It should be used with caution and should be limited in patients with depression or suicidal tendencies.
Pediatric population
This medicine is not recommended for use in children below 2 years since the safety and efficacy of use are not clinically established.
Geriatric population
This medicine should be used with caution in elderly patients due to the risk of dizziness. The safety and efficacy of this medicine in the prophylaxis of migraines is not established.
Impaired renal function
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a known history of the renal impairment. Close monitoring of renal function is necessary while taking this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative might be required based on the clinical condition.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Divalproex, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
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 this medicine due to the increased risk of side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty in concentration. It is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness like driving a vehicle or operating machinery during treatment with this medicine.
Interaction with Medicine
Lamotrigine
Metoclopramide
Warfarin
Ethinyl Estradiol
Meropenem
Disease interactions
Depression
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known history depression due to the increased risk of worsening of the condition. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative might be required based on the clinical condition.
Liver Disease
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a known history of the liver disease. Close monitoring of liver function is necessary while taking this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative might be required based on the clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Thyroid function tests
This medicine may alter thyroid function tests. It is advised that you inform the doctor and the laboratory technicians about this medicine before undergoing any laboratory tests.
Urine ketone test
This medicine 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 any laboratory tests.
Take this medicine with or without food. Do not take in larger amounts than advised. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable effects. Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor as it may cause seizures.
Miscelleneous
How it works
It works by binding to the receptors in the brain and inhibits the excitation of brain cells.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Anticonvulsants
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. 2017 [cited 13 March 2017]. Available from:
DailyMed -divalproex sodium capsule [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 13 March 2017]. Available from:
Valproic Acid: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2017 [cited 13 March 2017]. Available from:
TOXNET [Internet]. Toxnet.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 13 March 2017]. Available from:
[Internet]. 2017 [cited 23 October 2017]. Available from:
Valproic acid syrup (Valproic acid oral solution, USP) 250 mg/5 mL [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 24 October 2017]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 15 Dec 2020
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.