What is Divalproex sodium?
Divalproex sodium is available in a variety of pill forms, each of which has various uses. Divalproex sodium capsules and tablets can be used for treat seizures in people suffering from epilepsywho that are at least 10 years old. Divalproex tablets contain sodium and are often utilized in conjunction with other seizure medications. Divalproex sodium tablets can also be utilized by adults to prevent migraine headaches and in the treatment of manic symptoms due to bipolar disorder (manic depression). Divalproex sodium can also be used to treat conditions not covered in this medication guide.
Side effects of Divalproex sodium
Seek medical attention immediately when you are experiencing symptoms warning signs of an allergic response (hives, breathing difficulties, or swelling of your throat or face) or an intense skin reaction (fever, sore throat, eye burning, irritation, and red or purple skin itching, blistering, and peeling). Consult a doctor when you experience a severe drug reaction that could affect the body in a variety of ways. Symptoms may include an itch on your skin or fever, swollen glands, muscle pains, abnormal bruising, severe weakness, or the discoloration of your eyes or skin. Contact your physician immediately if the patient who is taking divalproex sodium shows indications of pancreas or liver issues,such as: lack of appetite or stomach pain in the upper part of the stomach (that could extend over your entire back). persistent sickness and vomiting or dark urine, swelling of the face, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin). Inform your doctor about any new or deteriorating symptoms, including mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you are feeling uncontrollably angry, irritable, or aggressive. You are worried or hyperactive (both mentally and physically), or you are contemplating suicide or self-harm.
Consult your physician immediately if you are suffering from any of these negative side effects:
- Easily bleeding, unusual bruises (nose, mouth, or gums) either red or purple small spots on your skin.
- Fever, swollen glands, mouth sores.
- Fatigue, confusion, a coldfeeling feeling of nausea, and changes within your state of mind.
- Extremely sleepy, severe drowsiness.
- Worsening seizures.
Common adverse consequences of divalproex sodium include:
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and constipation.
- Headache, back pain.
- Dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, tremors.
- Memory issues, mood swings, sleep problems, trouble sleeping.
- Bleeding or bruising.
- Sore throat, runny nose, cough, wheezing, trouble breathing.
- Fever, flu symptoms.
- Problems with coordination or walking.
- Swelling of your feet or hands.
- Blurred vision, double vision, strange eye movement.
- Your ears are ringing.
- Rash, hair loss.
- Changes in appetite or weight.
This is not an exhaustive list of probable side effects, and others may arise. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
You shouldn't use divalproex sodium if you suffer from an illness of the liver, a urinary cycle disorder, or a genetic disorder like Alpers' disease or the Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome. Do not begin stopping or resuming divalproex during pregnancy without seeking advice from your doctor. Divalproex sodium may harm a newborn baby; however, having a seizure in pregnancy could be harmful to both the baby and the mother. Do not take divalproex sodium for migraine headaches when you are expecting. Divalproex sodium is a known cause of liver failure, which can be fatal, in particular in babies under 2 years old as well as in those suffering from liver problems that are caused by specific genetic conditions.
Consult your physician immediately if the patient using this medicine shows any indications of pancreas or liver issues, such as lack of appetite and stomach pain (that can extend over your entire back). constant nausea or vomiting or dark urine, swelling on the face or eyes, as well as jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin). Do not stop taking divalproex sodium without a physician's guidance. If you stop abruptly, it could trigger life-threatening, serious seizures.
Before you take this drug
Divalproex is not a good choice for sodium if your body is allergic to divalproex sodium or you are suffering from
- Liver disease.
- A urea cycle disorder.
- A mitochondrial (MYE-toe-KON-dree-al) genetic illness such as Alpers' disease or Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome, particularly in a kid under the age of two years.
Divalproex sodium may cause liver damage that could cause death, specifically in infants less than 2 years old and in people suffering from liver problems due to a genetic mitochondrial disorder.
Speak to your doctor if you have ever suffered from:
- Liver issues caused by a genetic mitochondrial disorder.
- Depressive disorder, mental health, or suicidal or suicidal-like thoughts or behaviors.
- A family history of urea conditions or the death of an infant that has unknown causes.
Many people contemplate suicide when they take divalproex sodium. Your doctor should monitor your progress on a regular basis. appointments. Your family members and other caregivers should be aware of any changes in your symptoms or mood. Divalproex sodium usage during pregnancy could increase the chance of having serious birth defects that could occur early in the pregnancy process, even before you recognize what you are expecting. Divalproex sodium use during pregnancy may also impact cognitive abilities (reasoning, thinking, and problem-solving) later in the child's life. An epileptic episode during pregnancy could be detrimental to both the mother and the baby. If you use divalproex sodium to treat seizures and manic episodes, the benefit of stopping manic episodes or seizures could outweigh the risks associated with this drug. There may be other medicines that are safer to take during pregnancy. Do not begin stopping or reducing divalproex sodium without the guidance of your doctor.
Do not take divalproex sodium to avoid migraine headaches when you are pregnant or could be pregnant. If you're not pregnant, use an effective method of birth control in order to stop the possibility of pregnancy when using divalproex sodium. Tell your doctor whenever you begin or stop using hormonal contraceptives that contain estrogen (birth control pills, injectables, implants, skin patches, or vaginal rings). Estrogen may react with divalproex sodium and reduce its effectiveness in stopping seizures. Breastfeeding is not advised while taking this medicine. Discuss any potential hazards with your doctor.
How to take Divalproex sodium?
Follow the instructions on the prescription label and study all medication guides or instruction sheets. The doctor might alter your dosage. Make sure you take the medication precisely as prescribed.
Drink plenty of fluids while you're taking this medicine. Your dosage could need to be adjusted when you aren't getting enough fluids throughout the day. Suck your capsule or tablet completely, and don't crush, chew, or break it. You can also open it. If you're unable to take a capsule of sprinkles, open it up and pour the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce or pudding. Take the mix right away. Don't save it for later. It is possible that you will need frequent blood tests. If you require surgery, be sure to inform your surgeon beforehand that you're taking divalproex sodium. In the event of an emergency Wear or carry medical identification that lets people know that you are using divalproex sodium. Don't stop using divalproex sodium abruptly, even if you are well. A sudden stop can trigger an extremely serious, life-threatening form of seizure. Follow your doctor's advice on the process of tapering your dose.Keep at room temperature and away from heat and moisture.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Do not take the medicine for as long as you can. However, avoid any missed doses if you are close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Drinking alcohol can cause an increase in certain negative effects of divalproex sodium. Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you understand the impact divalproex sodium has on your body. The reactions you have could be affected
Interaction with other drugs
It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications simultaneously. Certain medications can alter the blood levels of other medications you are taking, which could cause more side effects or make the drugs less effective. A variety of drugs can influence divalproex sodium. This includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. The interactions between these products are not included in this list. Discuss with your physician all the medications you are currently taking as well as any new medications you are about to start or stop taking.
