Divalproex
About Divalproex
Divalproex is an anticonvulsant that is used to control seizures and migraine headaches. Take this medicine at the same time regularly. Do not take this medicine if you have are suffering from impaired liver function.
Take exactly as directed (do not increase dose or frequency or discontinue without consulting prescriber). While using this medication, do not use alcohol and other prescription or OTC medications (especially pain medications, sedatives, antihistamines, or hypnotics) without consulting prescriber.
Maintain adequate hydration (2-3 L/day of fluids unless instructed to restrict fluid intake). You may experience drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision (use caution when driving or engaging in tasks requiring alertness until response to drug is known); nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or dry mouth (small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, chewing gum, or sucking lozenges may help). Wear identification of epileptic status and medications.
Report CNS changes, mentation changes, or changes in cognition; muscle cramping, weakness, tremors, changes in gait; persistent GI symptoms (cramping, constipation, vomiting, anorexia); rash or skin irritations; unusual bruising or bleeding (mouth, urine, stool); worsening of seizure activity, or loss of seizure control.
Symptoms of overdose include dizziness ataxia, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, tremor, agitation, nystagmus, urinary retention, dysrhythmias, coma, seizures, twitches, respiratory depression, neuromuscular disturbances.
Provide general supportive care. Activated charcoal is effective at binding certain chemicals and this is especially true for carbamazepine; other treatment is supportive/symptomatic.
Treatment consists of inducing emesis or gastric lavage. EKG should also be monitored to detect cardiac dysfunction. Monitor blood pressure, body temperature, pupillary reflexes, bladder function for several days following ingestion.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.
What are the uses of Divalproex
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.
What are the contraindications of Divalproex ?
Urea Cycle Disorders
Mitochondrial Disorders
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.
What are the side effects of Divalproex ?
Headache
Blurred Vision
Weakness
Infections
Weight Gain
Double Vision
Flu-Like Symptoms
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.
Key highlights of Divalproex
How long is the duration of effect?
The effect of this medicine lasts for an average of 1 to 2 days.
What is the onset of action?
The peak effect of this medicine can be observed in 2 hours for a delayed release tablet.
Are there any pregnancy warnings?
This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women.
Is it habit forming?
No habit forming tendency has been reported
Are there any breast-feeding warnings?
This medicine is recommended only if clearly needed when no safer alternative is available. Monitoring of undesired effects like discoloration of eyes and skin is necessary.
Is It safe with alcohol?
It is unsafe to consume alcohol along with this drug.
Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?
This medicine might affect the alertness of the patient, thus driving must be avoided while taking it.
Does this affect kidney function?
This medicine is probably safe to be used in patients with kidney disease. Adjustment of dose is needed.
Does this affect liver function?
This medicine is unsafe to be used in patients with liver disease, thus must be avoided. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.
What are the dosage instructions?
Are there any missed dose instructions?
If you miss a dose of Divalproex, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Are there any overdose instructions?
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.
Where is the Divalproex approved?
India
United States
Japan
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.
Medicines containing Divalproex
Below is the list of medicines, which contains Divalproex as ingredient
- Valkem Od 500 MG Tablet
Alkem Laboratories Ltd
- Dayo-Od 1000 MG Tablet
Lupin Ltd
- Desval Er 500 MG Tablet ER
Strides Shasun Limited
- Dicorate 250 MG Tablet
Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd
- Genval Od 500 MG Tablet
Gentech Healtcare Ltd
- Anteleptin 500 MG Tablet
Fourrts India Laboratories Pvt. Ltd
- Divalgress 250 MG Tablet
La Renon
- Dilpra 500 MG Tablet XR
Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Dayo-Od 250 MG Tablet
Lupin Ltd
- Valkem Od 250 MG Tablet
Alkem Laboratories Ltd
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.
How does this medication work?
This medication belongs to the class anticonvulsants. it works by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitter GABA and inhibits sodium and calcium channels thus it reduces the excitation of the brain cells.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.
What are the interactions of Divalproex ?
Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.
- test
Interaction with Alcohol
Interaction with Lab Test
Interaction with Medicine
Lamotrigine
Divalproex may increase the concentration of lamotrigine and can cause serious skin reactions. Frequent monitoring of undesired effects like skin rash, seizures, tremors is necessary. Suitable dose adjustments or an alternate medicine should be considered based under the doctor's supervision.Imipenem
Use of these medicines is not recommended as it increases the concentration of Divalproex. An alternate medicine should be considered based on the clinical condition under the doctor's supervision.Warfarin
Divalproex should be given with caution in patients with warfarin or other anticoagulants as this combination may increase the risk of bleeding. Frequent monitoring of blood cells count and prothrombin time is necessary. Suitable dose adjustments or an alternate medicine should be considered based on the clinical condition under the doctor's supervision.Ethinyl Estradiol
The desired effect of Divalproex will not be observed if taken with oral contraceptives. Inform the doctor if you are receiving either of the medications. Monitoring of behavior changes and seizures are necessary. An alternate medicine should be considered based on the clinical condition of the under the doctor's supervision.Metoclopramide
Use of Divalproex with metoclopramide should be avoided if possible. Do not operate heavy machinery if you are using these medicines. Suitable dose adjustments or an alternate medicine should be considered based on the clinical condition under the doctor's supervision.Interaction with Disease
Depression
Divalproex should be given with caution in the patients with depression and suicidal thoughts. Frequent monitoring of depression symptoms is necessary. Dose adjustments are to be made based on the outcomes in the patient.Divalproex is not recommended in patients with liver injury or a family history of liver injury. This risk is more in children less than 2 years of age. Liver function tests are to be performed before starting the treatment. Discontinue the medicine if any abnormality is identified.Interaction with Food
FAQs about Divalproex
Ques : What is Divalproex?
Ans : Divalproex is an anticonvulsant.
Ques : What is Divalproex used for?
Ans : It is used to control seizures and migraine headaches.
Ques : How long do I need to use Divalproex before I see improvement in my condition?
Ans : In most of the cases, the average time taken by this medication to reach its peak effect is around 1 day to 1 week. Please consult your doctor for the time period you need to use this medication.
Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Divalproex?
Ans : This medication is generally used once or twice a day. It is advised to consult your doctor before the usage, as the frequency also depends on the patient's condition.
Ques : Should I use a Divalproex empty stomach, before food or after food?
Ans : This medication is advised to be consumed orally. If you take it on an empty stomach, it might upset the stomach. Please consult the doctor before using it.
Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Divalproex?
Ans : It should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Keep it away from the reach of children and pets.
Ques : How long does Divalproex take to work?
Ans : Usually, Divalproex starts working soon after taking it. However, it may take some days to kill all the harmful bacteria and make you feel better.
Ques : What if I don't get better after using Divalproex?
Ans : Inform your doctor if you don't feel better after finishing the full course of treatment. Also, inform him if your symptoms are getting worse while using this medicine.
Ques : Does Divalproex make you sleepy?
Ans : Yes, Divalproex may make you feel sleepy. Avoid driving or other work that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
Ques : Does Divalproex cause hair loss?
Ans : Yes, Divalproex may cause hair loss. However, it is only for a short time and is usually dose related.
References
Divalproex-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 25 May 2022].Available from:
https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/divalproex
Divalproex-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 25 May 2022].Available from:
https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00313
Divalproex Tablet,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 25 May 2022].Available from:
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=divalproex
Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.
Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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