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 natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.
Read the drugs Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet offered by your pharmacist before you start taking divalproex sodium and each time you get a refill. If you have any relevant questions, ask your medical practitioner or pharmacist.
Just take this medication by mouth as directed by your physician. You may take it 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, weight, condition, and response to therapy. Make use of this medicine regularly to get the benefit that is most from it. Remember to use it at the time that is same day to keep carefully the amount of medication in your blood constant.
If this medication can be used for seizures, do perhaps not stop taking it without consulting your medical professional. Your condition might become worse if the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
Divalproex sodium does perhaps not alleviate acute headaches that are migraine. Take other medications as directed by your physician for acute attacks.
Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve.
See section that is also warning.
Diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, hair thinning, blurred/double vision, change in menstrual periods, ringing in the ears, shakiness (tremor), unsteadiness, weight modifications may possibly occur. If some of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
You may seldom see tablets that are partial your stool. This may occur if you have certain disorders that are intestinalsuch as ileostomy, colostomy). Tell your doctor right away in the event that you see partial tablets in your stools.
Keep in mind that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of adverse effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious adverse effects.
Inform your physician right away in the event that you have any adverse that is serious, including: signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore neck, swollen lymph nodes), chest pain, simple bruising/unexplained bleeding, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, swelling of hands/feet, uncontrolled eye movement (nystagmus), feeling cold/shivering, quick breathing, loss of consciousness.
a small number of individuals who take anticonvulsants for just about any condition (such as seizure, manic depression, pain) may experience despair, suicidal thoughts/attempts, or other mental/mood problems. Tell your physician right away if you or your family/caregiver notice any changes that are unusual/sudden your mood, thoughts, or behavior including signs of depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, thoughts about harming yourself.
Severe (sometimes fatal) brain disorder (encephalopathy) has seldom occurred, specially in patients with certain metabolic disorders (urea cycle disorders). Tell your doctor right away if you develop unexplained weakness, vomiting, or sudden mental/mood changes (such as confusion).
An extremely severe reaction that is allergic this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious sensitive reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, difficulty breathing.
That is not a list that is complete of side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your pharmacist or doctor.
In america -
Call your physician for medical advice about side results. You might report side effects to Food And Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Phone your physician for medical advice about part effects. You may report adverse effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
See section that is also warning.
Before taking divalproex sodium, tell your doctor or pharmacist in the event that you are allergic to it; or to valproic acid or valproate sodium; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain ingredients that are inactive which can cause sensitive reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before applying this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, particularly of: liver illness, pancreatitis, certain metabolic disorders (such as urea cycle disorders, Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome), alcohol punishment, bleeding dilemmas, brain illness (dementia), kidney infection, low body water (dehydration), poor nutrition.
To lessen the chance to getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and steer clear of tasks such as for instance contact activities.
Before having surgery, tell your medical professional or dentist about all the services and products you use (including prescribed drugs, nonprescription medications, and herbal services and products).
This drug may allow you to be dizzy or drowsy or cause vision that is blurred. 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 alcoholic beverages.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the relative side effects of this medication, especially drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness, or tremor. Drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness can increase the risk of falling.
This medication is not advised for use during maternity. It may harm an baby that is unborn. See section that is also warning.
This medication passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, check with your medical practitioner before breast-feeding.
Airmail: 2-3 weeks, EMS: 3-8 business days.