Depakote Tablet (Divalproex)

Depakote 250 Tablet is a medicine used to treat epilepsy. It helps prevent and control seizures (fits). It is also used in the prevention of migraines. Occasionally, it may also be used to treat bipolar disorder.

Depakote 250 Tablet may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. The dose and how often you need to take it will be decided by your doctor so that you get the right amount to control your symptoms. You can take this medicine with or without food but take it at the same time each day to get the most benefit.

It usually takes a couple of weeks to work. It is important to take this medicine regularly and for as long as you are advised, even if you feel well. Missing doses may trigger seizures and, if you stop, your condition may get worse. It should never be stopped suddenly.

This medicine's most common side effects include headache, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, unsteadiness, bruising, and decreased body temperature. Most of these are not serious. Keep taking the medicine but talk to your doctor if these side effects bother you or do not go away. However, if you notice a skin rash or redness, tell your doctor straight away. Long-term treatment with this medicine can cause osteoporosis (reduced bone mass) and increase your risk of breaking a bone. Also, Depakote 250 Tablet may rarely lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. If your mood becomes depressed, tell your doctor.

This medicine may not be suitable for everybody. Before using it, tell your doctor if you have ever had heart problems, kidney or liver disease, difficulty urinating, depression, or suicidal thoughts. Many other medicines can interfere with it and some should not be taken together so tell your doctor all the medicines you are taking to make sure it is safe. If you are pregnant, do not start or stop taking this medicine without asking your doctor. Drinking alcohol should be avoided as it can increase some of the side effects and can also increase your risk of seizures. You may need frequent blood tests to help your doctor make sure you are taking the right dose both before you start and while you are using it.

USES OF DEPAKOTE TABLET

• Treatment of Epilepsy/Seizures
• Treatment of Bipolar disorder
• Prevention of Migraine

BENEFITS OF DEPAKOTE TABLET

In Treatment of Epilepsy/Seizures

Depakote 250 Tablet is an anticonvulsant (or anti-epileptic) medicine that works by decreasing the nerve impulses which cause the seizures. By controlling the frequency of seizures, it will help you go about your daily activities with more confidence. It helps reduce symptoms such as confusion, uncontrollable jerking movements, loss of awareness, and fear or anxiety.
This medicine is not associated with any physical or psychological dependence (addiction) but it should not be stopped suddenly. It must be taken regularly as prescribed to be effective. Missing doses may trigger a seizure.

 

SIDE EFFECTS OF DEPAKOTE TABLET

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Depakote

• Decreased body temperature
• Dizziness
• Sleepiness
• Tremors
• Paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation)
• Anemia (low number of red blood cells)
• Decreased sodium level in blood
• Liver injury
• Gastrointestinal disturbance
• Hypersensitivity
• Deafness
• Urinary incontinence
• Increase in body weight
• Pain during periods

HOW TO USE DEPAKOTE TABLET

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Depakote 250 Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

HOW DEPAKOTE TABLET WORKS

Depakote 250 Tablet is an antiepileptic medication. It controls seizures or fits by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.