What is Depakote ER?
Depakote Er comes in different tablet forms for different purposes. The tablets and capsules of Depakote ER are prescribed to people who have seizures or epilepsy. They must be at least 10 years old. Sometimes, this medicine is taken with other medications for seizures. Adults can also take Depakote ER tablets to help prevent migraine headaches or treat episodes of manic behavior related to bipolar disorder. Depakote ER can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Side effects of Depakote ER
If you experience symptoms of an allergy, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling on your face and throat, or severe skin reactions like a fever, sore neck, burning eyes, or skin pain with blisters or peeling, seek emergency medical attention. Should you experience an extreme adverse drug reaction, seek medical assistance immediately. Symptoms include skin rash or hives, swollen or enlarged glands, severe muscle pain, weakness, or unusual bruises. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any signs that your liver or pancreas are having problems. You should tell your doctor if any symptoms worsen or change, including changes in mood, behavior, depressive disorders, anxiety, panic attacks, or difficulty sleeping. Also, you may feel restless or hyperactive, irritable or angry, or hostile or aggressive.
If you experience any other symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
- Easy bruising (nose, gums, or mouth) or red or purple pinpoint spots beneath your skin
- Fever, swollen glands, mouth sores;
- Change in mental state, confusion, fatigue, nausea, and cold feelings
- Severe sleepiness
- Worsening seizures.
Depakote may cause the following side effects:
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation;
- Back pain, headache
- Dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, and tremors;
- Memory problems, mood swings, and trouble sleeping are all symptoms of memory disorders.
- The bruised or bleeding area;
- Difficulty breathing, runny or sore nose, sore throat, and cough
- Flu symptoms include fever.
- Problems with coordination or walking;
- You may experience swelling in your feet or hands.
- Double vision or blurred vision?
- Ringing in the ears
- Rash, hair loss;
- Changes in appetite or weight
There may be other side effects. Call your physician immediately if experiencing side effects; to report adverse events directly with FDA call their hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Sympazan, Botox, Qulipta, Briviact, Gabapentin, Clonazepam, and Propranolol
Warnings
Depakote ER should not be used if you suffer from liver disease or a urea-cycle disorder. Depakote ER can harm the unborn child, but a seizure could be harmful to both mother and infant. This medicine should not be used to treat migraines while pregnant. Depakote ER may cause fatal liver failure, particularly in young children and people who have liver disorders caused by genetic conditions. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. Depakote ER should not be stopped without consulting your doctor. Sudden stopping can cause serious and life-threatening seizures.
Before you take this drug
Depakote ER should not be used if:
- Liver disease
- A urea cycle disorder;
- A genetic mitochondrial (MYE-toe-KON-dree-al) disorder such as Alpers' disease or Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome, especially in a child younger than 2 years old.
Depakote can lead to liver failure, which may even be fatal. This is especially true for children younger than 2 years old and people who have liver issues caused by mitochondrial disorders.
If you've ever:
- Liver problems due to a mitochondrial genetic disorder
- Depression, mental illness, or suicide thoughts or acts;
- A family history of an urea-cycle disorder or infant death with no known cause
Depakote can cause suicidal thoughts in some people. Regular visits to your doctor are required for regular monitoring of your progress. You or your family members should be aware of any changes you may experience in mood or symptoms.
Depakote use during pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects, which may occur even before you realize you're pregnant. Depakote ER used during pregnancy may also have an impact on cognitive abilities (reasoning ability, intelligence, and problem solving) in the future. A seizure could be harmful to both mother and baby if it occurs during pregnancy. Depakote ER is prescribed to treat seizures and manic-like episodes. This medicine may be safer than other medications. Other medications may be safer for use while pregnant. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping this medication. Depakote ER should not be used to treat migraines if pregnant or if it is possible that you will become pregnant. Use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy if you're not pregnant while taking Depakote. Inform your doctor when you stop or start using hormone contraception containing estrogen. This medicine can be less effective at preventing seizures if estrogen is present. Breastfeeding may be unsafe while taking this medication. You should consult your physician about the risks.
How to take Depakote ER?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as prescribed. While taking this medicine, drink plenty of water. If you are not drinking enough water each day, your dose might need to change. Do not open, crush, chew, or break the capsule. Open the capsule and sprinkle it into some pudding or applesauce if you can't swallow the whole thing. The mixture should be swallowed immediately. Don't save the mixture for future use. Blood tests may be required frequently. Tell your surgeon that you use Depakote® ER before you undergo surgery. Wear or carry medical ID to alert others that you are using Depakote Emergency. Even if you are feeling fine, do not suddenly stop taking Depakote ER. Sudden stopping can cause serious and life-threatening seizures. You should follow your doctor's advice on how to taper your dosage. Keep away from heat and moisture. Store at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for the next dose, skip the missed one.Never take more than one dose at the same time.
What happens if I overdose?
Dial 1-800-222-1222 immediately in case of poisoning and seek immediate medical care.
What should be avoided?
Alcohol consumption can increase the side effects associated with divalproex sodium. Depakote ER can affect your reactions. Avoid dangerous activities until you are sure how they will impact you. You may be unable to react.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not safe to take certain drugs at the same time. Some medications can cause side effects that increase or decrease the effectiveness of another drug you are taking. Depakote ER can be affected by many drugs. These include prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all interactions.Inform your physician of all medications you are currently taking as well as those you plan on stopping or starting using in the near future.
