Depakote (Divalproex)

Information about Generic Depakote

Generic Depakote is used for controlling certain types of seizures in the treatment of epilepsy. It is also used to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorders (manic-depressive illness), and to prevent migraine headaches. Generic Depakote is an anticonvulsant. It works by reducing or preventing the number of seizures by controlling the abnormal activity of nerve impulses in the brain and central nervous system.

Do not use Generic Depakote if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Generic Depakote
• you have a history of liver conditions, low levels of the enzyme ornithine carbamoyltransferase, or a urea cycle disorder

Contact your doctor right away if any of these apply to you.

Before taking Generic Depakote:

Some medical conditions may interact with Generic Depakote. Tell your pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are breast-feeding, planning to become pregnant, or are pregnant
• if you are taking any herbal preparation, dietary supplement, prescription or nonprescription medicines
• if you have allergies to medicines, or foods
• if you have a history of metabolic disease, blood disease, HIV, high blood levels of ammonia or glutamine, low levels of albumin, brain problems (eg, organic brain disease), mental retardation, inflammation of the pancreas, kidney problems, or low levels of white blood cells, or if you are scheduled for surgery
• if you have a history of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency or unexplained coma
• if you have a family history of urea cycle disorders or unexplained infant deaths

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Generic Depakote. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Benzodiazepines (eg, diazepam), carbamazepine, erythromycin, felbamate, fluoxetine, guanfacine, isoniazid, ketoconazole, risperidone, or salicylates (eg, aspirin) because the risk of serious side effects of Generic Depakote, including changes in vision or other vision problems, clumsiness or unsteadiness, drowsiness, nausea, or vomiting, may be increased
• Acyclovir, cancer medicines, cholestyramine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), mefloquine, meropenem, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (eg, ibuprofen), or rifampin because they may decrease Generic Depakote's effectiveness
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), ethosuximide, lamotrigine, methylphenidate, primidone, tolbutamide, or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Generic Depakote
• Clonazepam because the risk of seizures may be increased
• Topiramate because the risk of high ammonium levels and brain problems may be increased
  

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your pharmacist if Generic Depakote may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your doctor before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Generic Depakote:

Use Generic Depakote as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• An extra patient leaflet is available with Generic Depakote. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
• Take Generic Depakote by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• Swallow Generic Depakote whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
• Taking Generic Depakote at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
• Continue to use Generic Depakote even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. Generic Depakote works best when there is a constant level of it in your body.
• If you miss a dose of Generic Depakote, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your pharmacist any questions you may have about how to use Generic Depakote.

Important safety information:

• Generic Depakote may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Generic Depakote with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Generic Depakote; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Do not stop taking Generic Depakote suddenly. This may cause seizures.
• Inflammation of the pancreas is a potentially life-threatening illness associated with Generic Depakote. Symptoms include stomach pain, vomiting, or appetite loss. Contact your doctor at once if any of these symptoms occur.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Generic Depakote before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Diabetes patients - Generic Depakote may cause the results of some tests for urine ketones to be wrong. Ask your doctor before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Lab tests, including blood cell counts and liver function tests, may be performed while you use Generic Depakote. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Generic Depakote with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially sleepiness.
• Generic Depakote should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 10 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed. CHILDREN younger than 2 years of age may be at increased risk of serious liver problems.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Generic Depakote has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Generic Depakote while you are pregnant. Generic Depakote is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while you are taking Generic Depakote.