PRECAUTIONS: See also Warning section. Before taking divalproex sodium, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to valproic acid or valproate sodium; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this drug, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: liver disease, pancreatitis, certain metabolic disorders (urea cycle disorders). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: alcohol abuse, bleeding problems, brain disease (dementia), kidney disease, low body water (dehydration), poor nutrition. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. This drug may make you dizzy, drowsy, or cause blurred vision. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness or clear vision such as driving or using machinery. Do not engage in such activities until you know how this medication affects you. Limit alcoholic beverages. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially drowsiness or tremor. Divalproex sodium can cause birth defects. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. If you become pregnant while taking this drug, contact your doctor immediately. If you are pregnant, prenatal care including tests for spinal cord defects is recommended. This medication passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: certain antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline, phenelzine), certain benzodiazepines (e.g., clonazepam, diazepam), mefloquine, other medications for seizure (e.g., carbamazepine, ethosuximide, felbamate, lamotrigine, phenobarbital, phenytoin), rifampin, warfarin, zidovudine. Low-dose aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually these dosages are 81-325 mg per day), should be continued. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are using aspirin for any reason. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine), medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), tranquilizers. Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. This drug may affect certain lab tests (e.g., urine ketones). Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this medication. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.