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Brand Names: Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkles

Generic Name: divalproex sodium (Pronunciation: dye val PRO ex)

• What is divalproex sodium (Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkles)?
• What are the possible side effects of divalproex sodium (Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkles)?
• What is the most important information I should know about divalproex sodium (Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkles)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking divalproex sodium (Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkles)?
• How should I take divalproex sodium (Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkles)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkles)?
• What happens if I overdose (Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkles)?
• What should I avoid while taking divalproex sodium (Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkles)?
• What other drugs will affect divalproex sodium (Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkles)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is divalproex sodium (Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkles)?

Divalproex sodium affects chemicals in the body that may be involved in causing seizures.

Divalproex sodium is used to treat various types of seizure disorders. Divalproex sodium is sometimes used together with other seizure medications.

Divalproex sodium may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Depakote 125 mg

oval, pink, imprinted with a NT

Depakote 250 mg

oblong, peach, imprinted with a NR

Depakote 500 mg

oblong, lavender, imprinted with a NS

Depakote ER 250 mg

oval, white, imprinted with aHF

Depakote ER 500 mg

oval, gray, imprinted with aHC

Depakote Sprinkles 125 mg

turquoise/white, imprinted with THIS END UP, DEPAKOTE SPRINKLE 125 mg

Divalproex 500 mg-APO

oblong, white, imprinted with APO 048, 500

Divalproex Sodium Delayed-Release 125 mg-TEV

oval, orange, imprinted with 93/7439

Divalproex Sodium Delayed-Release 250 mg-TEV

oval, peach, imprinted with 93/7440

Divalproex Sodium Delayed-Release 500 mg-TEV

oval, peach, imprinted with 93/7441

What are the possible side effects of divalproex sodium (Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkles)?

Seek emergency medical attention if the person taking this medicine has nausea, vomiting, upper stomach pain, or loss of appetite, low fever, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage or pancreatitis.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these other serious side effects:

• unexplained weakness with vomiting and confusion or fainting;
• easy bruising or bleeding, blood in your urine;
• fever, chills, body aches, swollen glands, flu symptoms;
• urinating less than usual;
• extreme drowsiness, lack of coordination, hallucinations;
• double vision or back-and-forth movements of the eyes; or
• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild drowsiness or weakness;
• diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach;
• changes in your menstrual periods;
• enlarged breasts, weight changes;
• tremor (shaking);
• hair loss;
• vision changes; or
• unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about divalproex sodium (Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkles)?

Divalproex sodium may cause harm to an unborn baby, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both the mother and the baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking divalproex sodium for seizures. Do not start or stop taking divalproex sodium during pregnancy without your doctor's advice.

Seek emergency medical attention if the person taking this medicine has nausea, vomiting, upper stomach pain, or loss of appetite, low fever, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage or pancreatitis.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

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