Generic Name: divalproex sodium
Brand Names: Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkles
Drug Class: Anticonvulsants, Other
What is divalproex sodium, and what is it used for?
Divalproex sodium is an anticonvulsant medication used in the treatment of manic phase of bipolar disorder, and epilepsy, and in the prevention of migraine headaches.
Divalproex sodium is a stable compound of valproic acid, an organic acid, and its sodium salt form, sodium valproate. Valproate sodium gets converted in the gastrointestinal tract into valproate ion, its active form.
Divalproex sodium reduces abnormal electrical activity in the brain which causes manic episodes in bipolar disorder, or seizures in epileptic patients. The exact mechanism of divalproex is not fully clear. Divalproex sodium is believed to work by:
- Increasing the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the major inhibitory chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) in the brain
- Enhancing and mimicking GABA’s action on nerve cells (neurons)
- Inhibiting sodium and calcium channels in the neurons, suppressing high-frequency repetitive firing of neurons
Divalproex sodium is approved by the FDA for use in:
- Manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder
- Epileptic seizures including:
- Complex partial seizures
- Simple and complex absence seizures
- Migraine prophylaxis
Off-label uses include:
- Bipolar major depression (alternative agent)
- Maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder
- Intractable migraine and migraine that lasts longer than 72 hours (status migrainosus)
- Status epilepticus, seizures that last longer than 5 minutes
Warnings
- Do not use divalproex sodium in patients with:
- Hypersensitivity to valproate or any of the components of divalproex sodium
- Urea cycle disorder, a metabolic disorder that causes accumulation of ammonia, a metabolic waste product that is neurotoxic
- Liver disease or impaired liver function
- Mitochondrial disorders caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA polymerase-gamma (POLG) gene (such as Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome, a condition with intractable epilepsy, loss of psychomotor abilities and liver disease) and children younger than 2 years with suspected POLG-related disorders
- Do not use divalproex sodium for migraine prophylaxis in women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant; may cause fetal harm; advise women patients on valproate therapy to use effective contraception
- Divalproex sodium is toxic to the liver and can cause liver failure that can be fatal
- Hepatotoxicity typically occurs in the first 6 months of treatment
- Children younger than 2 years are at increased risk, particularly those on multiple anticonvulsants, and those with congenital metabolic disorders, POLG-related disorders, severe seizure disorders with mental retardation, or organic brain disease; use divalproex sodium with extreme caution as monotherapy
- The liver removes ammonia from blood by converting it to urea; monitor ammonia levels and discontinue valproate in case of signs of ammonia accumulation in blood (hyperammonemia) and brain damage (encephalopathy)
- Cases of life-threatening pancreatitis have been reported with divalproex sodium treatment in both adults and children
- Divalproex sodium can decrease platelet levels (thrombocytopenia) and associated conditions; risk increases at trough plasma levels of 110 mcg/mL in females and 135 mcg/mL in males; monitor carefully
- May cause porphyria, a group of disorders caused by abnormalities in the production of heme, the iron-carrying pigment in hemoglobin
- May cause drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) that can affect multiple organs
- May produce false-positive urine ketone test and alter thyroid function tests
- Concurrent use with topiramate may cause hyperammonemia, encephalopathy and hypothermia
- Can cause brain tissue atrophy; assess cognitive function routinely
- May cause central nervous system (CNS) depression and impair physical and/or mental abilities; advise patients appropriately
- Can cause drowsiness in elderly patients; increase divalproex dosage slowly and monitor regularly
- Do not use divalproex to prevent post-traumatic seizure in patients with acute head trauma; may increase risk for mortality

QUESTION
Another term that has been previously used for bipolar disorder is ___________________. See AnswerWhat are the side effects of divalproex sodium?
Common side effects of divalproex sodium include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite (anorexia)
- Indigestion (dyspepsia)
- Constipation
- Increased appetite
- Weight loss or gain
- Swelling of extremities (peripheral edema)
- Weakness (asthenia)
- Accidental injury
- Headache
- Fever
- Back pain
- Drowsiness (somnolence)
- Tremor
- Dizziness
- Impaired coordination, balance and speech (ataxia)
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- Amnesia
- Depression
- Abnormal thinking
- Mood swings (emotional lability)
- Double vision (diplopia)
- Blurred vision
- Lazy eye (amblyopia)
- Repetitive uncontrolled eye movements (nystagmus)
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Hair loss (alopecia)
- Rash
- Flu syndrome
- Infection
- Inflammation of the bronchial passage (bronchitis)
- Nasal inflammation (rhinitis)
- Throat inflammation (pharyngitis)
- Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
- Low count of platelets (thrombocytopenia)
- Bruising (ecchymosis)
- Less common side effects of divalproex sodium include:
- Chest pain
- Chills and fever
- Feeling unwell (malaise)
- Neck stiffness and pain
- Edema
- Face edema
- Gas (flatulence)
- Fecal incontinence
- Gastroenteritis
- Tongue inflammation (glossitis)
- Gum (periodontal) abscess
- Dry mouth (xerostomia)
- Oral inflammation (stomatitis)
- Blood in vomit (hematemesis)
- Belching (eructation)
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Pancreatitis
- Increase in liver enzymes SGOT and SGPT
- Cardiovascular effects that include:
- Dilation of blood vessels (vasodilation)
- High or low blood pressure (hypertension or hypotension)
- Postural hypotension
- Palpitations
- Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Joint pain (arthralgia)
- Joint inflammation (arthrosis/osteoarthritis)
- Leg cramps
- Twitching
- Muscle pain (myalgia)
- Muscle weakness (myasthenia)
- Abnormal vision
- Inflammation of the membrane on the eye and inner eyelid surface (conjunctivitis)
- Dry eyes
- Eye pain
- Middle ear infection (otitis media)
- Ear pain ‘
- Deafness
- Taste perversion
- Nasal bleeding (epistaxis)
- Increased cough
- Sinus inflammation (sinusitis)
- Pneumonia
- Dry skin
- Itching (pruritus)
- Redness and scaling of skin (seborrhea)
- Flat and raised skin lesions (maculopapular rash)
- Discoid lupus erythematosus, a chronic skin disease
- Hair follicle infection (furunculosis)
- Urinary incontinence
- Urinary frequency
- Bladder inflammation (cystitis)
- Painful urination (dysuria)
- Vaginal inflammation (vaginitis)
- Vaginal hemorrhage
- Irregular bleeding between menstrual periods (metrorrhagia)
- Painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea)
- Absence of menstruation (amenorrhea)
- Abnormal dreams
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Personality disorder
- Speech difficulties/slurred speech (dysarthria)
- Abnormal gait
- Stupor and/or abnormal movements (catatonic reaction)
- Muscle rigidity (hypertonia)
- Slow muscle movement (hypokinesia)
- Abnormal skin sensations (paresthesia)
- Increased reflexes
- Movement disorder from long-term valproate use (tardive dyskinesia)
- Vertigo
- Acute or subacute cognitive decline and behavioral changes including apathy or irritability (cerebral pseudoatrophy)
- Rare side effects of divalproex sodium include:
- Hair texture and color change
- Nail and nailbed disorders
- Light sensitivity (photosensitivity)
- Severe skin reactions such as:
- Erythema multiforme
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
- Inflammation of blood vessels in the skin (cutaneous vasculitis)
- Bone marrow suppression
- Blood disorders including:
- Low red blood cell count due to reduced production (aplastic anemia)
- Low count of leukocyte immune cells (leukopenia)
- Low level of granulocyte immune cells (agranulocytosis)
- High level of eosinophil immune cells (eosinophilia)
- Elevated testosterone level in males
- Excessive testosterone in females (hyperandrogenism)
- Decreased sperm count and motility
- Male infertility
- Breast enlargement
- Breast secretions (galactorrhea)
- Polycystic ovarian disease
- Menstrual disorders
- Abnormal male pattern growth in women (hirsutism)
- Paradoxical convulsions
- Parkinsonism
- Decreased bone mineral density
- Fractures
This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug.
Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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What are the dosages of divalproex sodium?
Dosages expressed as valproic acid equivalents
Tablet, delayed-release (Depakote)
- 125mg
- 250mg
- 500mg
Tablet, extended-release (Depakote ER)
- 250mg
- 500mg
Capsule (Depakote Sprinkles)
- 125mg
- Indicated for the treatment of manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder
- Depakote initial dose: 750 mg/day orally in divided doses
- Depakote ER initial dose: 25 mg/kg orally once daily Increase as rapidly as possible to achieve the lowest therapeutic dose that provides desired clinical effect or plasma concentration
- Not to exceed 60 mg/kg/day
- Complex partial seizures: Indicated as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy for complex partial seizures that occur either in isolation or in association with other types of seizures
- Simple and complex absence seizures: Also indicated for use as sole and adjunctive therapy in the treatment of simple and complex absence seizures, and adjunctively in patients with multiple seizure types that include absence seizures
- 10-15 mg/kg/day orally initially; may increase by 5-10 mg/kg/week to achieve optimal clinical response; not to exceed 60 mg/kg/day
- Depakote: If a daily dose is greater than 250 mg, give a divided dose
Migraine Prophylaxis
- Indicated for prophylaxis of migraine headaches; there is no evidence of use for acute treatment
- Depakote initial dose: 250 mg orally twice daily for 1 week
- Depakote ER initial dose: 500 mg orally once/day for 1 week
- May increase dose up to 1000 mg/day if needed
Pediatric:
Epilepsy
Children younger than 10 years
- Safety and efficacy not established
Children 10 years and older
- Complex partial seizures: Indicated as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy for complex partial seizures that occur either in isolation or in association with other types of seizures
- Simple and complex absence seizures: Also indicated for use as sole and adjunctive therapy in the treatment of simple and complex absence seizures, and adjunctively in patients with multiple seizure types that include absence seizures
- 10-15 mg/kg/day orally initially; may increase by 5-10 mg/kg/week to achieve optimal clinical response; not to exceed 60 mg/kg/day
Dosage Modifications
Conversion to monotherapy
- Decrease concomitant anti-epilepsy drug dosage approximately 25% every 2 weeks
Renal impairment
- No adjustment is necessary; protein binding is reduced and may cause measurement of total valproate concentrations to be inaccurate
Hepatic impairment
- Administer lower doses
- Contraindicated in severe impairment
Dosing Considerations
Monitor liver function tests (LFTs)
Conversion from Depakote to Depakote ER:
- Administered Depakote ER once daily using a dose 8-20% higher than the total daily dose of Depakote
Therapeutic range
- Low serum albumin levels may cause an increase in unbound drugs (while total concentration may appear normal)
- Epilepsy: 50-100 mcg/mL total valproate
- Mania: 50-125 mcg/mL total valproate; maximum concentrations generally achieved within 14 days
Administration
- Depakote or Depakote Sprinkles: If the daily dose is greater than 250 mg, give a divided dose
- Depakote ER: Administer once daily
Overdose
- Divalproex sodium overdose may cause somnolence, heart block and deep coma that can lead to death.
- Overdose may be treated with induced vomiting or gastric lavage to eliminate unabsorbed drug in the gastrointestinal tract, depending on the time since ingestion.
- In severe overdose, hemodialysis or hemodialysis in tandem with external blood purification (hemoperfusion) may be used to remove drug from the blood, in addition to supportive and symptomatic care.
- Naloxone has been reported to reverse the central nervous system depressant effects of valproate overdose. Naloxone should be used with caution in epileptic patients, because naloxone could theoretically also reverse the antiepileptic effects of valproate.
What drugs interact with divalproex sodium?
Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.
- Divalproex sodium has no known severe interactions with other drugs.
- Serious interactions of divalproex sodium include:
- bremelanotide
- imipenem/cilastatin
- imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam
- meropenem/vaborbactam
- metoclopramide intranasal
- Moderate interactions of divalproex sodium include:
- cenobamate
- daridorexant
- difelikefalin
- fosphenytoin
- lamotrigine
- lemborexant
- lomustine
- mavacamten
- midazolam intranasal
- osilodrostat
- ropeginterferon alfa 2b
- ustekinumab
- Divalproex sodium has no known mild interactions with other drugs.
The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.
It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.
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Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Divalproex sodium should be used in pregnancy only in life-threatening emergencies when no safer alternative drug is available; should not be used to prevent migraines; there is positive evidence of fetal risk from divalproex sodium use during pregnancy.
- Divalproex sodium can cause congenital malformations including neural tube defects, craniofacial defects and cardiovascular malformations; the risk is greatest in the first trimester.
- Maternal use of divalproex sodium can impair cognition in offspring; studies indicate that children exposed to valproate in the uterus have lower cognitive test scores than children exposed to either another antiepileptic drug or no antiepileptic in the uterus.
- Women on valproate therapy should use effective contraception.
- Women with epilepsy who become pregnant should not discontinue divalproex sodium abruptly, as this can precipitate major seizures and status epilepticus that can result in maternal and fetal hypoxia and threat to life. Even minor seizures may pose some hazard to the fetus.
- Discontinuation of the drug may be considered prior to and during pregnancy in individual cases if the seizure disorder severity and frequency do not pose a serious threat to the patient.
- Evidence suggests that folic acid supplementation prior to conception and during the first trimester of pregnancy decreases the risk for congenital neural tube defects in the general population. It is not clear if it reduces the risk in pregnant women on valproate therapy, however, folic acid supplementation prior to conception and during pregnancy should be routinely recommended to women receiving valproate.
- Available prenatal diagnostic testing to detect neural tube and other defects should be offered to pregnant women using valproate.
- Pregnant women using valproate may develop clotting abnormalities or liver failure; must be monitored carefully.
- Valproate is present in breast milk; should be used with caution in nursing mothers.
- A pregnancy exposure registry monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) during pregnancy; pregnant women on valproate therapy should be encouraged to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry by calling toll-free 1-888-233-2334 or visiting the website, http://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org/
What else should I know about divalproex sodium?
- Take divalproex sodium exactly as prescribed
- If a dose is skipped, do not double the next dose
- In case of overdose, immediately seek medical help or contact Poison Control Center
- Swallow whole, do not chew or crush the tablets
- Capsules may be opened and sprinkled on a spoonful of soft food immediately before administration
- May impair physical and mental abilities; avoid engaging in hazardous tasks such as driving or operating heavy machinery
- Store divalproex sodium carefully out of reach of children
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Summary
Divalproex sodium is an anticonvulsant medication used in the treatment of manic phase of bipolar disorder, and epilepsy, and in the prevention of migraine headaches. Divalproex sodium is toxic to the liver and can cause liver failure that can be fatal. Common side effects of divalproex sodium include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite (anorexia), indigestion (dyspepsia), constipation, increased appetite, weight loss or gain, swelling of extremities (peripheral edema), weakness (asthenia), accidental injury, headache, fever, back pain, drowsiness (somnolence), tremor, dizziness, impaired coordination/balance/speech (ataxia), insomnia, nervousness, amnesia, depression, abnormal thinking, mood swings (emotional lability), double vision (diplopia), blurred vision, lazy eye (amblyopia), and others. Divalproex sodium overdose may cause somnolence, heart block, and deep coma that can lead to death.
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What Is Major Depression Disorder?
The American Psychiatric Association defines major depressive disorder (depression) as a common, but serious, medical illness that negatively affects how one feels, thinks and acts. Depression causes sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Depression can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and decrease a person’s ability to function at work and home.
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What Is the Difference Between Mental Wellness and Mental Health?
When your mental health is in a good state this is called mental wellness. It means that your mind is functioning as it should be and that you can function in positive ways in your life.
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What Happens When Bipolar Meds Don't Work?
Many of the medications for bipolar disorder come with side effects. If you experience severe side effects, do not stop taking your medications. If you abruptly stop them, your symptoms may worsen. Your doctor can observe how you react to your medications.
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What Are the Warning Signs of Epilepsy?
The warning signs of epilepsy are different for everyone, however, here are the most commonly reported symptoms of seizure disorder.
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When Should I Be Worried About a Retinal Migraine? How Long Does It Last?
Although retinal migraine is usually not a medical emergency, you should seek urgent help if you experience a partial or complete loss of vision in one eye.
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What Causes Migraines in Females?
Migraine is most commonly seen in women. Every three out of four women are affected by migraines. Some of the most common triggers affecting women are changes in hormonal levels or birth control pills, lack of sleep or too much sleep, and others
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Migraine and Stroke
Migraine headache is a type of headache in which the exact cause is not known; however, they may be inherited, and certain foods and environmental factors can trigger and may contribute them. A stroke (brain attack) happens when a blood vessel in the brain leaks, bursts, or becomes blocked, which can be caused by many other health problems. Both migraines and strokes can can cause severe head pain (migraine pain usually is only on one side of the head). Migraine aura symptoms may mimic or feel like a stroke or mini-stroke (transient ischemic attack, TIA) because they have similar symptoms and signs like severe headache, numbness in the legs, feet, arms, hands, or face, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Other migraine aura symptoms include vision problems like flashing lights or blind spots in one eye. The main difference between migraine headache and stroke symptoms and signs is that a migraine headaches usually come on gradually while a stroke symptoms come on suddenly and unexpectedly.
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Depression in Children
Childhood depression can interfere with social activities, interests, schoolwork and family life. Symptoms and signs include anger, social withdrawal, vocal outbursts, fatigue, physical complaints, and thoughts of suicide. Treatment may involve psychotherapy and medication.
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How Does Blue Light Affect Mental Health?
Blue light can affect mental health by interfering with the way our brain regulates mood, emotions and sleep. Excessive blue light can cause sleep and mood disorders, leading to depression.
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Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a form of depression that occurs within a year after delivery. It is thought that rapid hormone changes after childbirth may lead to depression. Symptoms of postpartum depression include crying a lot, headaches, chest pains, eating too little or too much, sleeping too little or too much, withdrawal from friends and family, and feeling irritable, sad, hopeless, worthless, guilty, and overwhelmed. Treatment typically involves talk therapy and medication.
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Can Major Depression Turn into Schizophrenia?
Sometimes, you can have depressive symptoms in the early stages of schizophrenia before or while you experience psychosis, but these disorders are separate diagnoses. Major depression doesn’t become schizophrenia.
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Can Caffeine Cause Depression?
Researchers are divided as to whether caffeine causes depression, with some believing moderate consumption could help, while others believe it’ll make things worse.
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What Causes Myoclonic Seizures in Babies?
Epileptic syndromes that cause myoclonic seizures usually begin in early childhood, and last throughout life, though milder forms may improve with adulthood. Doose syndrome (myoclonic-atonic epilepsy), Dravet syndrome (severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy [SMEI]) and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome are all childhood epilepsy syndromes that may cause seizures in babies and toddlers.
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Can Migraines Cause Fevers?
Since a fever isn’t a common symptom of a migraine attack, a fever coupled with a headache may be a sign of another underlying illness, such as COVID-19 or heatstroke.
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Can You Take Time Off Work for a Migraine?
Migraines are most common in adults of working age. Since migraines are still misunderstood, there's not typically a lot of support at work. Talk to your employer and discuss sick policies. They may have information about managing migraines and work. You should also tread your company's Equality and Diversity and Health and Safety policies.
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Can the Vagus Nerve Cause Seizures?
The vagus nerve is an important pathway to the brain in addition to helping to control seizures. Stimulation of the vagus nerve leads to the discharge of electrical energy into a wide area of the brain, disturbing the abnormal brain activity that causes seizures. The vagus nerve is used to treat seizures that do not respond to medications.
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Is Bipolar 1 or 2 Worse?
What is the difference between bipolar 1 and 2? Which is worse? What are the different symptoms?
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Migraine vs. Headache: Differences and Similarities
Headaches are the most common reason why a person goes to the doctor or other healthcare professional for treatment. There are different types of headaches, for example, migraine, tension, and cluster headaches. The most common type of headache is tension headache. Migraine is much less common. There are few similarities between migraine and other headaches, for example, the severity of the pain can be the same, mild, moderate, or severe; and they can occur on one side or both sides of the head. However, there are many differences between migraine and other types of headaches. Migraine headaches also have different names, for example, migraine with aura and menstrual migraine. Symptoms of migraine that usually aren't experienced by a person with another type of headache include nausea, vomiting, worsens with mild exercise, debilitating pain, eye pain, throbbing head pain. Migraine trigger include light, mild exercise, strong smells, certain foods like red wine, aged cheese, smoked meats, artificial sweeteners, chocolate, alcohol, and dairy products, menstrual period, stress, oversleeping, and changes in barometric pressure. Untreated migraine attacks usually last from 4 to 72 hours, but may last for weeks. Most headaches resolve within 24-48 hours. Doctors don't know exactly what causes migraine headaches; however, other headaches like tension headaches have more specific triggers and causes. Additional tests usually are required to diagnose migraine from other types of headaches, diseases, or other medical problems. Most headaches can be treated and cured with home remedies like essential oils, massage, and over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn) or ibuprofen (Advil, Midol, Motrin). Most headaches resolve with OTC and home remedy treatment, while your doctor may need to prescribe medication to treat your migraines. If you have the "worst headache of your life," seek medical care immediately.
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What Are the 5 Characteristics of Depression?
Although depression includes a wide range of symptoms, here are the 5 most common characteristics of the condition.
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Can Major Depression Lead to Bipolar Disorder?
Depression and bipolar disorder are not the same despite sharing some symptoms. Major depression can't lead to bipolar disorder.
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Is Melancholy the Same as Depression?
Melancholy or melancholia is a severe form of depression and it is now termed "melancholic depression." The word “melancholia” is a Greek word to describe the feeling of intense sadness and hopelessness. Melancholic depression makes people lose interest in almost all activities.
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What Is a Nervous Breakdown?
A nervous or mental breakdown is a general term used to describe a period of overwhelming mental distress. This term is usually used to refer to an intense set of emotions a person experiences in a wide variety of mental illnesses, including depression, stress disorder, and anxiety.
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What Is Happening in the Brain During a Migraine?
During a migraine, some chemicals in the brain become more active, which send out confusing signals that result in headaches.
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What Does Bipolar 2 Disorder Look Like?
Manic episodes in bipolar 2 disorder are generally mild or short-lived (hypomania), and the person may be more prone to depression than mania.
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Febrile Seizures
Febrile seizures, or convulsions caused by fever, can be frightening in small children or infants. However, in general, febrile seizures are harmless. Febrile seizure is not epilepsy. It is estimated that one in every 25 children will have at least one febrile seizure. It is important to know what to do to help your child if he/she has a febrile seizure. Some of the features of a febrile seizure include losing consciousness, shaking, moving limbs on both sides of the body, and lasts 1-2 minutes. Less commonly, a febrile seizure may only affect one side of the body.
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What Is the Best Medication for Bipolar Disorder?
Mood stabilizers are typically considered the best medication for bipolar disorder. Learn about other bipolar medications and treatment options.
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What Are the 10 Signs of Bipolar Disorder?
Symptoms of bipolar disorder can cause unpredictable changes in mood and behavior, causing difficulty leading a normal life. Check out the center below for more medical references on bipolar disorder, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.
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Seizure vs. Seizure Disorders: What's the Difference?
Seizures and seizure disorders are not the same medical problems. A seizure happens when the electrical activity in the brain is uncontrolled. There are about 40 different types of seizure disorders, in which epilepsy is one. Symptoms depend on the type of disorder, but can include loss of consciousness, uncontrolled twitching or shaking of one side, or the entire body.
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Can a Person With Epilepsy Live a Normal Life?
Can a person with epilepsy live a normal life? What is epilepsy and what causes it? Learn the signs and symptoms of epilepsy, what causes it, how doctors diagnose it, and what you can do to treat it.
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What Is a Cluster Seizure?
Cluster seizures are episodes of increased seizure activity in which two or more seizures occur in 24 hours. Multiple seizures occur one after the other typically with a recovery period between each seizure and are different from a person’s usual seizure pattern.
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What Are the Root Causes of Anxiety and Depression?
What causes anxiety and depression? Learn about symptoms and potential root causes that may increase your risk of developing mood disorders.
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What Is a Person with Bipolar Disorder Like?
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness characterized by changes in mood, energy, and the ability to function.Ā People with bipolar disorder often display extreme, intense and disturbing emotional states known as mood episodes. Extreme happiness or excitement (mania) and melancholy (depression) are typical symptoms of mood episodes. People with bipolar disorder can also have normal moods sometimes.
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Does Losing Weight Help With Depression?
Losing weight can greatly improve symptoms of depression because of the following reasons.
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How Do Mental Health Issues Affect a Person Physically?
Mental health issues can make you more prone to developing chronic diseases and other physical problems, from headaches to high blood pressure.
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Holiday Depression, Anxiety, and Stress
Though the holidays are a fun time for most, for others, they're a sad, lonely and anxiety-filled time. Get tips on how to avoid depression and stress during the holiday season.
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How Long Do Migraines Last For?
Migraines typically last from four to 72 hours. The frequency of migraines differs for everyone, but usually, there would be two to four headaches per month. In some, the migraines may occur every few days, while others may get them once or twice a year.
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Why Are Menstrual Migraines So Bad? Where Do They Hurt?
Menstrual migraines involve a drop in estrogen levels before your period and an altered pain perception, which results in excruciating headache pain.
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What Do Ocular Migraines Indicate?
Ocular migraines are headaches that are accompanied by a temporary loss of vision in one eye, and they usually don’t indicate a serious condition.
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Epilepsy and Seizures: How to Treat?
A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder where brain activities are abnormal, causing more than one or recurrent episodes of seizures. Most cases of seizures can be managed conservatively with medication and supportive treatments.
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What Foods Are Good for Seasonal Depression?
The 3 nutrients essential for treating seasonal depression are vitamin D, omega-3s, and carbohydrates, as well as the following foods.
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What Mental Illness Is Similar to Dementia? Can It Be Bipolar?
Despite not being classified as a mental illness, here are four mental health disorders often mistaken for dementia due to their similar symptoms.
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How Do You Get Rid of Vestibular Migraines? Triggers, Medications, Symptoms
Getting rid of vestibular migraines involves managing the active episode (acute treatment) and preventing further episodes (prophylactic treatment).
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Can Depression Stop Me From Losing Weight?
While depression itself does not stop you from losing weight, your weight loss goals will be affected if you cope with your depression by reaching for unhealthy foods.
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What Is an Episodic Migraine? Causes, Treatment, Symptoms
Migraine attacks are said to be episodic if they occur less than 15 days in a month. Learn the causes, symptoms, and treatment of episodic migraines below.
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Is Bipolar II a Serious Condition?
Despite common misconceptions, bipolar II disorder is as equally serious and disabling as bipolar I disorder.
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How Does Pregnancy Affect Mental Health?
Pregnancy can be a time of great joy and happiness. Different women respond to pregnancy differently, but pregnancy can affect some womens' mental health negatively.
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Depression and Suicide
Depression is a psychiatric illness that affects one in six people in the United States. Nearly two-thirds of people with depression do not realize that they have a treatable illness and do not seek treatment. Depression could happen when there is a decrease in the functional balance of the brain chemicals e.g., serotonin and norepinephrine.
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How Do You Get Rid of a Migraine Fast?
Migraine is a neurological condition that is characterized by recurrent episodes of intense headaches. It may be associated with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and other clinical features.
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Depression in the Elderly
Depression in the elderly is very common. That doesn't mean, though, it's normal. Treatment may involve antidepressants, psychotherapy, or electroconvulsive therapy.
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How Do Seizures Differ From Epilepsy and Convulsion?
You can have a seizure without epilepsy, but you can’t have epilepsy without seizures. Convulsions are a type of seizure that causes involuntary shaking.
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Are Indoor Plants Good for Mental Health?
Houseplants are an easy way to bring the outdoors and greenery into your home and workplace. Studies have shown that indoor plants are associated with improved mental health.
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What Are the 9 Causes of Depression?
Depression is caused by a combination of biological, environmental, psychological and genetic factors. Here are the top nine causes of depression.
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Are Migraine Auras Serious?
Migraine with aura (also called classic migraine) is repeated episodes of headache that occur during or after sensory disturbances (aura or migraine aura). These disturbances may include symptoms such as flashes of light, blind spots, and other vision changes or tingling over the hand or face.
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What Are the Different Types of Seizures?
A seizure is a sudden change in the brain's normal electrical activity. During a seizure, brain cells fire uncontrollably than their normal rate, temporarily affecting the way a person behaves, moves, thinks, or feels. Recurrent seizures are called epilepsy. Seizures are usually categorized into three types depending on their onset.
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What Does It Mean to Be High-Functioning in Depression?
Although not a clinical term, high-functioning depression is a phrase often used to describe a form of depression that may be less debilitating than others.
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Are Migraines a Symptom of COVID-19?
Although the main symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath, migraines are also a common symptom that may persist during or after infection.
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What Triggers Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental condition that causes unusual and extreme shifts in mood. Bipolar disorderĀ is also called manic-depressive illness or manic depression. The condition does not have any cure, but with appropriate medical treatment and psychological support, bipolar disorder symptoms can be controlled. There are three main types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar I, bipolar II and cyclothymic disorder.
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How Do I Get Rid of Winter Depression?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is triggered by a change in seasons. Here are 9 ways to get rid of winter depression.
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What Do Seizures Feel Like?
If you have a seizure, you may feel strange, notice unusual smells, experience tingling, see flashing lights, or start hallucinating.
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How Can I Boost My Mood and Mental Health Naturally?
Mental health affects how you think, feel, and interact with the outside world. Boost your mood and mental health naturally by getting enough sleep, moving, eating well, stepping outside, and doing something you enjoy.
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What Triggers Tonic Seizures?
Tonic seizures may result from a variety of health conditions, such as brain tumors and head injuries. Learn all the potential triggers for epilepsy now.
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How Do You Stop Multiple Seizures?
Seizures are a medical emergency. Whether the seizure is a first-time onset or a recurring episode, it is advisable to dial 911 and call for help. A group of drugs called benzodiazepines is usually administered to stop multiple seizures.
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What Is a Strategy to Help Someone Who Is Suffering From Depression?
Knowing what helps and what doesn’t when it comes to helping someone with depression is incredibly important. Learn these 12 best strategies for helping a person dealing with depression here.
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What Are the 9 Types of Mental Disorders?
Mental disorders like physical disorders have a spectrum ranging from mild to severe.
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What Is the Most Common Type of Migraine?
The most common type of migraine is migraine without aura (common migraine). 70-90% of people with migraine experience this type. The frequency of this type of migraine may range from once a year to several times per week.
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Can Blue Light Cause Depression?
Yes, in humans, there is evidence that supports that blue light disrupts the normal circadian rhythms (biological clock), resulting in mood disorders such as depression.
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Which Are the Pressure Points to Relieve Migraines?
Migraines are complex disorders involving episodes of recurrent and severe headaches. They generally present as a headache on one side and may be associated with visual or sensory symptoms (such as seeing flashes of light, colorful or bright shapes, or hearing sounds of various types) collectively called “aura.”
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What Age Group Has the Highest Rate of Depression?
American Psychiatric Association defines major depressive disorder (depression) as a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how one feels, thinks and acts. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and decrease a person’s ability to function at work and home. Depression can occur at any age.
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What Are the First Signs of a Migraine?
The first sign of a migraine is severe eye pain associated with a dull headache. Migraines gradually worsen with physical activity.
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Is Journaling Good for Mental Health?
Journaling is the process of writing down your thoughts, ideas, and feelings. While writing your way out of depression might not be possible, journaling may help lower symptoms of depression.
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What Causes Migraines?
A migraine is a complex disorder that involves episodes of recurrent and severe headaches. An episode of a migraine can be very painful, lasting for hours, making day-to-day activities difficult until the episode is resolved. The frequency and severity of migraine attacks tend to decline with age. And women are more likely to suffer from migraines than men.
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What Is the Best Treatment for Bipolar Disorder?
While bipolar disorder cannot be cured, treatment aims to stabilize moods and untangle patients from the dramatic ups and downs of mania and depression through the use of medications and therapy.
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How to Test for Clinical Depression
Doctors test for clinical depression by asking a set of questions, known as depression screening tests.
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What Are the Types of Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder (also called manic-depressive illness or manic depression) is a mental condition that causes unusual and extreme shifts in mood. It is characterized by periods of deep, profound, and prolonged depression that alternate with periods of an excessively elevated or irritable mood known as mania. Bipolar disorder does not have a cure but with appropriate medical and psychological intervention, patients can better manage their symptoms and live a more normal life.
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Is Exercise a Trigger for Migraines?
Vigorous exercise can trigger migraines for some people, possibly due to changes in blood vessel caliber. Here are 8 ways to prevent exercise-induced migraines.
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What Are Signs of Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is characterized by shifts in moods that alternate between highs and lows, or manic episodes and depressive episodes.
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Do Seizures Come in Clusters?
Yes, seizures can come in clusters. The term seizure clusters is used when three or more seizures that occur within 24 hours (or within six hours as defined in some studies).
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What Does a Vestibular Migraine Feel Like? Treatment, Triggers
Vestibular migraine is a type of migraine that causes vertigo, as well as dizziness, unsteadiness, or lack of balance.
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What Are General Methods Used to Treat Depression?
While there is no one size fits all solution to treating depression, symptoms may be reduced through medication, therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
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How Do You Prevent Migraines When Exercising?
Here are a few tips to help prevent a workout from causing a migraine, such as staying hydrated and sticking to a protein-rich diet.
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What Does the Start of a Migraine Feel Like?
Warning signs that a migraine is coming on may include increased urination, constipation, food cravings, mood changes, tiredness, and sensitivity to light or sound.
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Why Do Certain Foods Trigger Migraines?
According to recent studies, diet can play a significant role in triggering migraine episodes. Learn about foods you should avoid if you have migraine headaches.
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What Foods Trigger Migraines?
Migraine is a chronic neurological disorder that features intense headaches on one or both sides of the head. Migraine attacks may resolve in few hours or may take as long as several days.
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What Are the Top 5 Mental Health Issues and Illnesses?
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How Should You Sleep to Avoid Migraines?
Migraines can be avoided by practicing good sleep hygiene. Here are 11 tips for improving your sleep habits and preventing headaches.
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Is Depression a Medically Treatable Disorder?
Depression is a medically treatable disorder because it is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Learn about treatment options.
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How Is Episodic Migraine Treated? Acute, How Long It Lasts
An episodic migraine can last between four hours to three days and may require the following treatment options.
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What Is the Best Cure for Migraine?
The best cure for migraine involves preventive medications and lifestyle changes. Some newer medications and therapies are effective in controlling the symptoms of migraine. Avoiding or controlling triggers may provide considerable benefit. Migraine can be prevented mainly by using medications, avoiding triggers and implementing lifestyle changes.
Treatment & Diagnosis
- What Is the First Aid for Seizures?
- Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) for Seizures
- How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Treat Depression?
- What Is the Best Thing to Do for a Migraine?
- What Are the Risks of Epilepsy Surgery?
- Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery
- How Successful Is Surgery for Epilepsy?
- Surgical Options for Epilepsy
- Seizure (Epilepsy)
- Depression
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder
- Migraine
- Postpartum Depression
- Postpartum Depression: Behind the Smile
- Teen Depression
- Migraine & Headache Q & A
- Febrile Seizure
- Depression
- Headaches and Migraine: Easing the Pain -- Seymour Diamond, MD
- Epilepsy: Silencing the Seizures
- Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens
- Depression Drug Warning: Signs of Suicide
- Depression: Beating the Holiday Blues
- Migraine: Managing Migraine Misery
- Mental Health in America: A Report Card
- Bipolar Disorder, Living With
- Migraines Survival with Christina Peterson, M.D.
- Depression FAQs
- Epilepsy and Seizures FAQs
- Panic Attacks Disorder FAQs
- Bipolar Disorder Mania FAQs
- Migraine Headaches FAQs
- Migraine Headache Treatment
- Does Depression Cause Obesity or Does Obesity Cause Depression?
- What Are the Different Types of Epilepsy?
- Seizures: When the Computer Goes Haywire
- Senator Ted Kennedy: Seizure, Brain Cancer, and Death
- Vestibular Migraine and Janet Jackson
- Brain Cancer Symptoms: Headaches and Seizures
- Why Remove Half A Brain?
- Depression - St. John's Wort
- Miscarriage - Depression Risk Increased
- Accutane (isotretinoin) for Acne linked to birth defects, depression and suicide
- Seizure Symptoms: How to Assist the Victim
- Depression and Women
- Mental Health: Questions to Ask When Choosing a Provider and Doctor
- Does Lupus Cause Seizures?
- Is Depression a Side Effect of Celebrex?
- What Is a Jacksonian Seizure?
- How Do You Get Rid of a Migraine?
- Do Statins Cause Depression?
- What Is CNS Depression?
- Can Botox Cure Migraines?
- 11 Common Depression Symptoms
- Migraine Symptoms
- Catherine Zeta-Jones: A Case of Bipolar II Disorder
- Diet and Depression: How Food Can Help with Depression Symptoms
- Migraines: Eat to Minimize Your Migraines
Prevention & Wellness
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