Divalproex Sodium

Generic Name: divalproex sodium

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Divalproex Sodium

Divalproex Sodium is a prescription anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing medication equivalent to valproic acid, used for bipolar disorder, seizures, and migraine prevention.

Overview

Divalproex Sodium is a prescription anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing medication equivalent to valproic acid, used for bipolar disorder, seizures, and migraine prevention.

Uses

Indicated for acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder; monotherapy and adjunctive therapy for complex partial seizures and absence seizures; prophylaxis of migraine headaches.

Dosage

For mania: Initial 25 mg/kg/day, max 60 mg/kg/day. For seizures: Start 10-15 mg/kg/day, increase by 5-10 mg/kg/week, max 60 mg/kg/day. For migraine: Start 500 mg daily for 1 week, then 1,000 mg daily. Tablets must be swallowed whole.

Side Effects

Common reactions (15% or more): abdominal pain, alopecia, asthenia, diarrhea, diplopia, dizziness, dyspepsia, headache, infection, insomnia, nausea, somnolence, thrombocytopenia, tremor, vomiting.

Interactions

May interact with clonazepam, diazepam, ethosuximide, lamotrigine, tolbutamide, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin. Carbapenem antibiotics reduce serum valproate concentrations. Concomitant topiramate associated with hyperammonemia/encephalopathy.

Warnings

BOXED WARNING: Life-threatening hepatotoxicity including fatalities usually during first 6 months. Children under 2 years and mitochondrial disorder patients at higher risk. Fetal risk including neural tube defects, malformations, decreased IQ. Pancreatitis including fatal hemorrhagic cases. Contraindicated in hepatic disease, known POLG mitochondrial disorders, urea cycle disorders.

Pregnancy

Contraindicated in pregnant women for migraine prophylaxis. Valproate causes neural tube defects, major congenital malformations, decreased IQ in offspring. Folic acid supplementation recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Divalproex Sodium used for?

Indicated for acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder; monotherapy and adjunctive therapy for complex partial seizures and absence seizures; prophylaxis of migraine headaches.

What are the side effects of Divalproex Sodium?

Common reactions (15% or more): abdominal pain, alopecia, asthenia, diarrhea, diplopia, dizziness, dyspepsia, headache, infection, insomnia, nausea, somnolence, thrombocytopenia, tremor, vomiting.

Can I take Divalproex Sodium during pregnancy?

Contraindicated in pregnant women for migraine prophylaxis. Valproate causes neural tube defects, major congenital malformations, decreased IQ in offspring. Folic acid supplementation recommended.

What are the important warnings for Divalproex Sodium?

BOXED WARNING: Life-threatening hepatotoxicity including fatalities usually during first 6 months. Children under 2 years and mitochondrial disorder patients at higher risk. Fetal risk including neural tube defects, malformations, decreased IQ. Pancreatitis including fatal hemorrhagic cases. Contraindicated in hepatic disease, known POLG mitochondrial disorders, urea cycle disorders.

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.