What is divalproex 250 mg used for?
This medication is used to treat seizure disorders, certain psychiatric conditions (manic phase of bipolar disorder), and to prevent migraine headaches. It works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.
Does Depakote ER make you sleepy?
A: Common side effects experienced with Depakote include drowsiness, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, low platelet count, tremors, tiredness, and hair loss. The side effects may be mild to moderate, but they may also be signs of a more serious condition.
What is the benefit of divalproex?
Divalproex sodium is used to treat certain types of seizures (epilepsy). This medicine is an anticonvulsant that works in the brain tissue to stop seizures. Divalproex sodium is also used to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness) and helps prevent migraine headaches.
Is divalproex used for dementia?
Conclusion: Divalproex appeared to be as effective as previously reported rates for neuroleptics in the treatment of behavioral disturbances in dementia. The combination of divalproex and a neuroleptic was effective in patients who had failed either agent administered independently.
Can divalproex cause seizures?
We again urge patients and families to contact their doctor before stopping an epilepsy medication because this may possibly lead to seizures and worsening of mood. See package insert. Besides the treatment of seizures, Depakote is also indicated for: treatment of manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder.
Does Depakote help with sleep?
Valproic acid (Depakote) – helps somewhat with insomnia.
Can divalproex ER be crushed?
Depakote Delayed-Release Tablets and Depakote ER should be swallowed whole and should not be crushed or chewed. Depakote tablets and capsules have a special coating to prevent the entire tablet from breaking down at the same time.
Can divalproex cause memory loss?
Divalproex treatment was associated with accelerated brain volume loss over 1 year and perhaps with greater cognitive impairment. The long-term clinical effects of these changes are not known.
What is divalproex ER used for?
Divalproex ER ( Depakote ER ®) is a prescription medication used for the treatment of the following conditions: Migraines — divalproex ER is approved to help prevent migraine headaches (but it does not help treat a headache once it starts).
What is the half life of Depakote?
Depakote has a half life of 9 – 16 hours. This means that every 9 to 16 hours, half of the previous amount of Depakote in the body is removed. It usually takes around 5.5 half lives for a drug to get out of your system.
Is Depakote delayed release?
Depakote is considered a “delayed-release” medicine. That is, after you take it, it doesn’t dissolve as fast as traditional tablets. But when it dissolves, it releases all the medicine at the same time.
What is Depakote medication?
Depakote is a medication that affects the brain and is prescribed to manage many neurological diseases and conditions, including mania episodes of bipolar disorder, seizures and epilepsy and the prevention of migraine headaches. It may be prescribed off-label to treat other mental health illnesses, such as schizophrenia.