Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: DIVALPROEX SODIUM EXTENDED RELEASE TABLET - ORAL (dye-VAL-pro-ex)

BRAND NAME(S): Depakote ER

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WARNING: This medication has rarely caused serious (sometimes fatal) liver problems. Children less than 2 years old are more likely to develop severe liver problems, especially if they have metabolic problems, severe seizures with mental retardation, brain disease (organic) or if they take more than one drug for seizures. If divalproex sodium is being used in patients with these conditions, then it should not be taken with additional anti-seizure medications. Liver function tests should be performed before and during treatment. Early signs of serious liver problems include vomiting, unusual tiredness, swelling of the face or loss of seizure control in patients with seizure disorder. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms. This medication has rarely caused severe (sometimes fatal) disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis). This problem may occur at any time during therapy and may worsen quickly. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience stomach/abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite while taking this medication. This medication can cause birth defects. Read the patient information leaflet provided with this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. (See also Precautions section)

USES: This medication is used to treat seizure disorder in adults and children (age 10 years or older). It is also used to prevent migraine headaches in adults. This medication works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

OTHER USES: This drug may also be used to treat certain psychiatric conditions (e.g., manic phase of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia) in adults.