This medicine is used to treat seizure disorders, specific psychiatric conditions (manic phase of bipolar disorder), and to prevent migraine headaches. It really works by restoring the balance of particular substances that are naturalneurotransmitters) in the brain.
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist you get a refill before you start taking divalproex sodium and each time. If you have any relevant questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Simply take this medication by mouth as directed by the physician. You may go with meals if stomach occurs that are upset. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush or chew the tablet, which can irritate the mouth or throat.
Dosage is dependant on your age, fat, medical condition, and response to therapy. Use this medicine regularly in order to get the benefit that is most from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day to keep carefully the amount of medication in your blood constant.
If this medication can be used for seizures, do not stop using it without consulting your physician. Your condition may become worse if the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
Divalproex salt does perhaps not alleviate acute headaches that are migraine. Take other medicines as directed by your physician for severe attacks.
Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve.
See also Warning section.
Diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, hair thinning, blurred/double vision, change in menstrual periods, tinnitus, shakiness (tremor), unsteadiness, weight modifications might occur. If any one of these effects persist or worsen, tell your pharmacist or doctor promptly.
You may seldom see partial tablets in your stool. This may occur if you have certain intestinal disorders (such as ileostomy, colostomy). Tell your physician right away if you see partial tablets within your stool.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have adverse that is serious.
Tell your physician right away if you have serious adverse effects, including: signs of illness (age.g., fever, persistent sore throat, swollen lymph nodes), chest pain, easy bruising/unexplained bleeding, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, swelling of hands/feet, uncontrolled attention movement (nystagmus), feeling cold/shivering, rapid breathing, loss of consciousness.
a few individuals who take anticonvulsants for almost any condition (such as for example seizure, manic depression, pain) may experience despair, suicidal thoughts/attempts, or other mental/mood dilemmas. Inform your physician straight away if you or your family/caregiver notice any unusual/sudden changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior including signs of despair, suicidal thoughts/attempts, thoughts about harming your self.
Serious (sometimes fatal) brain disorder (encephalopathy) has seldom occurred, particularly in patients with particular disorders that are metabolic cycle disorders). Tell your doctor right away if you develop unexplained weakness, vomiting, or mental/mood that is sudden (such as confusion).
A very severe reaction that is allergic this drug is rare. However, get help that is medical away if you notice any observeable symptoms of a serious sensitive reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, difficulty breathing.
That is not a complete list of possible adverse effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about part effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Phone your medical practitioner for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
See section that is also warning.
Before taking divalproex sodium, inform your doctor or pharmacist in the event that you have any other allergies if you are allergic to it; or to valproic acid or valproate sodium; or. This product may contain ingredients that are inactive that may cause sensitive responses or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before by using this medication, tell your medical professional or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver condition, pancreatitis, certain metabolic disorders (such as urea cycle disorders, Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome), alcohol punishment, bleeding dilemmas, brain condition (dementia), kidney disease, low body water (dehydration), poor nutrition.
To reduce the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp things like razors and nail cutters, and give a wide berth to tasks such as for instance contact recreations.
Before having surgery, tell your physician or dentist about all of the services and products you use (including prescribed drugs, nonprescription medications, and herbal items).
This drug may allow you to be dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit beverages that are alcoholic.
Older adults may be much more sensitive to the relative part ramifications of this medication, especially drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness, or tremor. Drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness can increase the possibility of falling.
This medication is not advised for use during pregnancy. It may harm an baby that is unborn. See also Warning section.
This medication passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.
Airmail: 2-3 weeks, EMS: 3-8 business days.