What is Depakote Sprinkles?
Depakote sprinkles are available in different dosage forms for various uses. Depakote Sprinkles capsules and tablets are used for treating seizures among people who have epilepsy, aged at least 10 years. Sometimes, this medicine is taken with other medications for seizures. Depakote Sprinkles Tablets are used to prevent migraines or treat manic episodes in adults with bipolar disorder. Depakote sprinkles can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Side effects of Depakote Sprinkles
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 blistering or peeling, seek emergency medical attention. Should you experience an adverse drug reaction, seek medical assistance immediately.Symptoms include skin rash or hives, fever, swelling of the glands or muscles, weakness, or unusual bruises. Immediately contact your physician if any of these symptoms appear. 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, hostile or aggressive, or irritable or agitated.
If you experience any other symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
- Easy bruising (nasal, gums, and mouth bleeding), 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 Sprinkles side effects may include:
- 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;
- Runny or sore nose, cough, difficulty breathing, wheezing;
- 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; report these to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 for guidance and reporting purposes.
Similar/related drugs
Sympazan, Briviact, Gabapentin, Clonazepam, Pregabalin, Lamotrigine, and Topiramate
Warnings
Depakote sprinkles should not be used if you suffer from liver diseases, have a disorder of the urea cycle, or have genetic disorders such as Alpers’ disease or Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome. Depakote sprinkles 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 sprinkles may cause fatal liver failure, particularly in young children and people who have liver disease caused by genetic disorders. If any of these symptoms arise, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Depakote sprinkles should not be stopped without consulting your doctor. Sudden stopping can cause serious and life-threatening seizures.
Before you take this drug
Depakote sprinkles should not be used if:
- Liver disease
- A urea cycle disorder;
- Gene and mitochondrial disorders such as Alpers' disease or Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome should be carefully assessed when diagnosing children under two years old.
Depakote sprinkles may cause fatal liver failure, particularly in young children 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 suicidal thoughts or acts;
- A family history of an urea-cycle disorder or infant death with no known cause
Depakote sprinkles may lead to suicidal thoughts in some people and require regular visits with your physician in order to monitor its impact. You or family members should remain aware of any changes you experience in mood or physical symptoms that could need monitoring by your healthcare team. Depakote sprinkles can increase your risk for serious birth defects before you even know that you're pregnant. Depakote sprinkles can affect your child's cognitive abilities (reasoning ability, intelligence, and problem solving) in later life. A seizure could be harmful to both mother and baby if it occurs during pregnancy. Depakote sprinkles may be prescribed to treat seizures and manic-depressive episodes. Other medications may be safer during pregnancy.Before taking or discontinuing any medication, always consult your healthcare provider first. Depakote Sprinkles should not be used to treat migraines when you are pregnant or if you think you might become pregnant.
Use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy while taking Depakote Sprinkles. Inform your doctor of any changes in hormonal contraception (birth-control pills, injections, skin patches, vaginal rings, or implants). This medicine can be less effective at preventing seizures if estrogen is present. Breastfeeding may be unsafe while taking this medication. Consult a medical provider about any risks before undertaking surgery.
How to take Depakote Sprinkles?
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 on or break the capsule. Open the capsule and sprinkle it into some pudding or applesauce if you can't swallow it whole. The mixture should be swallowed immediately. Don't save the mixture for future use. Blood tests may be required frequently. Tell your surgeon if you plan to have surgery that you use Depakote Sprinkles. Wear or carry medical ID to alert others that you are using Depakote Sprinkles in an emergency. Even if you are feeling fine, do not suddenly stop taking Depakote sprinkles. 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. Do not take more than one dose at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Alcohol consumption can increase the side effects associated with divalproex sodium. Depakote sprinkles 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 sprinkles can be affected by many drugs. These include prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and herbal products. This list does not include all interactions. Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking and those that you will stop or start using.
