The medication divalproex sodium treats manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder. This medication can reduce the frequency and severity of these episodes, but also may cause serious medical complications. People who wish to take this medication for treatment of their bipolar disorder should discuss the risks and benefits of the medication with a doctor.
Types
Divalproex sodium, sold under the brand name Depakote, is available in many different forms. These include delayed-release tablets, extended-release tablets and sprinkle capsules. The delayed-release tablets and extended-release tablets treat bipolar disorder and seizures, while sprinkle capsules only treat seizure disorders.
Dosage
Individuals taking divalproex sodium should always follow the dosing instructions from their doctor. Some need more or less of the medication, depending upon the specific situation. However, adults taking delayed-release tablets usually start by taking approximately 750 mg daily in divided doses, while adults taking extended-release tablets usually take 25 mg per kg of body weight, according to the prescribing information sheets for the medication. Doctors may increase or decrease the dosage as necessary. The dosage for children is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Side Effects
Common side effects of divalproex sodium include body aches or pain, belching, sour stomach, hair thinning or loss, unexplained noise in ear, congestion, vision changes, hearing loss, memory loss, heartburn, rash, sleeplessness, difficulty swallowing, swollen glands, uncontrolled eye movements and changes in weight.
Side effects that may indicate a serious medical complication include delusions, dementia, blood in urine or stools, tarry stools, bleeding gums, swelling, depersonalization, difficulty breathing, euphoria or dysphoria, headache, fever, depression, nausea, nervousness, paranoia, difficult urination, shakiness, rapidly changing moods, unusual drowsiness or sleepiness, rapid weight gain, pinpoint red spots on the skin, shivering, shortness of breath, sore throat, vomiting and wheezing. People who experience any of these serious side effects should call a doctor immediately.
Considerations
The presence of certain medical problems can affect the use of this medication. These medical problems include brain disease, congenital metabolism disorders, mental retardation with seizure disorders, liver disease, urea cycle disorder, pancreatitis and low platelet count, according to Drugs.com. People should talk to a doctor about their condition before taking this divalproex sodium. In addition, those with food allergies or that have had an unusual reaction to other medications also should use caution when taking the medication.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Children
Divalproex sodium falls into pregnancy category D, which means that the medication has demonstrated a risk to the fetus. It is unclear whether the medication poses a risk to an infant during breastfeeding. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should talk to a doctor to determine if the benefits of this medication outweigh these risks or to learn which alternative treatments are available. In addition, the safety and efficacy of divalproex have not been established in children under the age of 10.
Drug Interactions
Divalproex sodium is known to interact negatively with certain medications. These medications include imipenem, ertapenem, doripenem, vorinostat, primidone, eropenem, lamotrigine, betamipron, acyclovir, cholestyramine, carbamazepine, ginko, fosphenytoin, felbamate, ethosuximide, erythromycin, clomipramine, oxcarbazepine, olanzapine, nortriptyline, nimodipine, mefloquine, lorazepam, lopinavir,, rufinamide, ritonavir, risperidone, rifapentine, rifampin, phenytoin, Phenobarbital, panipenem, topiramate, zidovudine and aspirin. Although taking divalproex sodium with these medications is sometimes necessary, people should always talk to a doctor before doing so. In addition, certain foods, alcohol and tobacco products may interact with divalproex sodium, according to Drugs.com. Individuals should always discuss all possible interactions with a doctor.
