Depakote

Side Effects of Depakote are 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.

How Depakote Products work

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

In Depth Information for Depakote Products

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.
Depakote 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 Depakote, 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 Depakote 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.

Patient Concerns about Depakote Products

Frequently asked questions about Depakote Products

Q. What happens if I stop taking Depakote XR 500 Tablet?

You should not stop taking Depakote XR 500 Tablet without consulting your doctor. The dose of Depakote XR 500 Tablet should be reduced gradually and eventually can be stopped under the supervision of a doctor or specialist. Suddenly stopping the medication may trigger seizures or lead to the recurrence of symptoms.

Q. Is Depakote XR 500 Tablet a mood stabilizer?

Yes, Depakote XR 500 Tablet 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 Depakote XR 500 Tablet cause weight gain?

Yes, Depakote XR 500 Tablet 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 Depakote XR 500 Tablet make you sleepy?

Yes, Depakote XR 500 Tablet may make you feel sleepy. Avoid driving or other work that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.

Q. Does Depakote XR 500 Tablet cause hair loss?

Yes, Depakote XR 500 Tablet may cause hair loss. However, it is only for a short time and is usually dose-related. Consult your doctor if the hair loss bothers you or persists for a longer duration.

Q. Can Depakote XR 500 Tablet damage my liver?

Yes, Depakote XR 500 Tablet can cause damage to the liver. The risk is more likely to occur during the first 6 months of starting the treatment with Depakote XR 500 Tablet. Symptoms of liver damage may include nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, dark-colored urine, facial swelling, yellowing of the skin, or white eyes. Therefore, it is important to have liver function tests done before starting the medicine. 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 Depakote XR 500 Tablet?

Avoid alcohol consumption while you are on treatment with Depakote XR 500 Tablet. Taking alcohol with this medicine may make you feel more drowsy, light headed or dizzy.

Q. What are the laboratory tests recommended before taking Depakote XR 500 Tablet?

The doctor may suggest blood tests before starting the treatment with Depakote XR 500 Tablet. 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 Depakote XR 500 Tablet?

An overdose of Depakote XR 500 Tablet may cause headaches, blurred eyesight due to the 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.

Information last updated by Dr. Varun Gupta, MD Pharmacology on 25th Nov 2025.
The medicine details are for information purpose only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicine.