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Divalproex

Information about Divalproex

Divalproex Uses

Divalproex is used in the treatment of epilepsy, epilepsy/seizures, mania, Bipolar disorder, migraine, trigeminal neuralgia and seizures.

How Divalproex works

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

Common side effects of Divalproex

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

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Swati Mishra

BDS

Last updated

03 Dec 2024 | 05:08 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Divalproex

DicorateSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd

₹51 to ₹2748 variant(s)

DivaaIntas Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹51 to ₹35011 variant(s)

Desval Eris Lifesciences Ltd

₹56 to ₹2385 variant(s)

DepakoteSanofi India Ltd

₹121 to ₹4316 variant(s)

ValanceAbbott

₹94 to ₹9738 variant(s)

Dayo ODLupin Ltd

₹37 to ₹2856 variant(s)

DivalgressLa Renon Healthcare Pvt Ltd

₹82 to ₹1894 variant(s)

ValkemAlkem Laboratories Ltd

₹46 to ₹3597 variant(s)

TrendTorrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹22 to ₹2887 variant(s)

DiproexTorrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹35 to ₹1647 variant(s)

Expert advice for Divalproex

Take your medication regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures.
It can be taken with or without food, but better to take with food to avoid stoamch upset.
Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present with you.
Some healthy tips to prevent seizures:
- Practice yoga every day.
- Get enough sleep at nighttime.
- Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/laptop.
- Take your medication on time.
It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
Monitor your weight during treatment with this medicine as it can cause weight gain.
Your doctor may get regular blood tests done to monitor how the medication is affecting your body. Inform your doctor if you notice yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, or stomach pain.
Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may increase the seizure frequency.
Divalproex helps in the treatment and prevention of seizures.
Take it at the same time every day to maintain consistent levels in your body.
It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
Avoid consuming alcohol when taking Divalproex, as it may cause excessive sleepiness or drowsiness.
Monitor your weight during treatment with this medicine as it can cause weight gain.
Inform your doctor if you develop any unusual changes in mood or behavior, new or worsening depression, or suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Do not take Divalproex if you are pregnant or planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may increase the seizure frequency.
Take your medication regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures.
Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present with you.
Some healthy tips to prevent seizures:
- Practice yoga every day.
- Get enough sleep at nighttime.
- Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/laptop.
- Take your medication on time.
It may increase the risk of low sodium levels in the blood. Inform your doctor if you develop difficulty concentrating, memory problems, confusion, weakness, and unsteadiness.
Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts.

Frequently asked questions for Divalproex

Divalproex

Q. What happens if I stop taking Divalproex?

You should not stop taking Divalproex without consulting your doctor. The dose of Divalproex should be reduced gradually and eventually can be stopped under the supervision of a doctor or specialist. Suddenly stopping the medication may lead to recurrence of symptoms or irritability, anxiety, dizziness and tremors.

Q. Is Divalproex a mood stabilizer?

Yes, Divalproex can sometimes be used as a mood stabilizer. It is given in patients who experience rapid changes in their mood. It works by calming the hyperactivity of the brain during mood changes.

Q. Can Divalproex cause weight gain?

Yes, Divalproex may cause weight gain. The gain in weight could be due to an increase in hunger. Keep a check on your diet and exercise regularly to prevent any weight gain. If you are have concerns related to weight gain, consult your doctor.

Q. Does Divalproex make you sleepy?

Yes, Divalproex may make you feel sleepy. Avoid driving or other work that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.

Q. Does Divalproex cause hair loss?

Yes, Divalproex may cause hair loss. However, it is only for a short time and is usually dose related. Please consult your doctor if the hair loss bothers you or persists for a longer duration.

Q. Can Divalproex damage my liver?

Yes, Divalproex can cause damage to the liver. The risk is more likely to occur during the first 6 months of starting the treatment with Divalproex. Symptoms of liver damage may include nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, dark coloured urine, facial swelling, yellowing of the skin or white of eyes. Therefore, it is important to have liver function tests done before starting the medicine and. Tests should be done periodically during the first 6 months of therapy, especially in those who are likely to be at risk and those with a prior history of liver disease.

Q. Can I take alcohol while I am taking Divalproex?

Avoid alcohol consumption while you are on treatment with Divalproex. Taking alcohol with this medicine may make you feel more drowsy, light headed or dizzy.

Q. What are the laboratory tests recommended prior to taking Divalproex?

The doctor may suggest blood tests before starting the treatment with Divalproex. The tests may include blood cell count, including platelet count, bleeding time and coagulation tests These tests are also advised to avoid any spontaneous bruising or bleeding. In addition to this, liver function tests are advised before therapy. It is recommended to periodically monitor liver function during the first 6 months of therapy, primarily in those who seem most at risk and those with a prior history of liver disease.

Q. What should be done if I start experiencing abdominal pain, nausea and anorexia?

If you experience acute severe abdominal pain along with nausea and vomiting, it may be due to pancreatitis. Immediately consult your doctor in case you experience these symptoms. Your doctor may get your levels of serum amylase checked. In case the test shows positive results for pancreatitis, the medication should be stopped immediately.

Q. How to check for overdose of Divalproex?

Overdose of Divalproex may cause headaches, blurred eyesight due to pupils of the eyes becoming smaller, lack of reflexes, confusion and tiredness. You may also experience weak or “floppy” muscles, fits (seizures), loss of consciousness, behavioral changes and breathing difficulties such as fast breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Immediate medical assistance is required in case of overdose.