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Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is Depakote ER?
3. How Does Depakote ER Work?
4. Who Should Not Take Depakote ER?
5. What are the Side Effects of Depakote ER?
6. What Other Medications Should Not be Taken with Depakote ER?
7. How to Get Depakote ER

Introduction
Depakote ER (divalproex sodium extended-release tablets) is a prescription medication used to treat certain types of seizures, manic episodes, and migraines. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder. This article will discuss the uses, side effects, and cost of Depakote ER.

What is Depakote ER?
Depakote ER is an anticonvulsant medication that is used to treat certain types of seizures, manic episodes, and migraines. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder. Depakote ER is a brand name for divalproex sodium extended-release tablets. It is a prescription medication and should only be taken as directed by a doctor.

How Does Depakote ER Work?
Depakote ER works by increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter in the brain. This helps to reduce the activity of nerve cells in the brain that are involved in seizures, manic episodes, and migraines.

Who Should Not Take Depakote ER?
Depakote ER should not be taken by people who are allergic to divalproex sodium. It should also not be taken by people who have liver disease or urea cycle disorders. It should also not be taken by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What are the Side Effects of Depakote ER?
Common side effects of Depakote ER include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, and headache. Other side effects include changes in appetite, weight gain, hair loss, and changes in vision.

What Other Medications Should Not be Taken with Depakote ER?
Depakote ER should not be taken with other medications that contain divalproex sodium. It should also not be taken with certain antibiotics, antifungal medications, or medications used to treat HIV/AIDS.

How to Get Depakote ER
Depakote ER is a prescription medication and should only be taken as directed by a doctor. It is available in various strengths and forms, including tablets, capsules, and sprinkle capsules. The cost of Depakote ER can vary depending on the pharmacy and insurance coverage. Some pharmacies may offer discounts or coupons for Depakote ER.

Indications for Depakote ER

Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) is an anticonvulsant drug used to treat seizures, manic episodes, and migraine headaches. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder, a mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood. Depakote ER is a delayed-release form of the drug, which means it is released slowly into the body over a longer period of time. This helps to control the level of medication in the body and reduce the risk of side effects. The most common indications for Depakote ER include the treatment of seizures, manic episodes, and migraine headaches.

Dosage and Administration Recommendations

Depakote ER is available in two forms: tablets and sprinkle capsules. The tablets come in 250mg, 500mg, and 750mg strengths, while the sprinkle capsules come in 125mg and 250mg strengths. The recommended starting dose for adults is 500mg to 1000mg taken orally twice daily. The dose can be increased by 500mg to 1000mg every week until the desired effect is achieved. For children, the starting dose is 10mg per kg of body weight taken orally twice daily. The dose can be increased by 5mg to 10mg per kg of body weight every week until the desired effect is achieved.

Common Drug Interactions

Depakote ER can interact with certain drugs, increasing the risk of side effects. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some common drug interactions include warfarin, phenobarbital, and phenytoin. Taking Depakote ER with these drugs can increase the risk of bleeding, liver damage, and other serious side effects.

Warnings for Depakote ER

Depakote ER can cause serious side effects, including liver damage, pancreatitis, and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. It is important to tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions before taking Depakote ER. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not take Depakote ER, as it can cause birth defects. Women who are breastfeeding should not take Depakote ER, as it can pass into breast milk and harm the baby.

Clinical Pharmacology

Depakote ER works by increasing the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which helps to reduce seizures and manic episodes. It also works by decreasing the levels of glutamate, which can help to reduce migraine headaches. Depakote ER is metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine. The half-life of Depakote ER is approximately 12 to 16 hours.

Medication Guide

Depakote ER should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than the recommended dose. Do not stop taking Depakote ER without first talking to your doctor. It is important to take Depakote ER regularly to get the most benefit from the medication. Do not take Depakote ER if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.

Conclusion

Depakote ER is an anticonvulsant drug used to treat seizures, manic episodes, and migraine headaches. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder. Depakote ER is available in tablets and sprinkle capsules and the recommended starting dose for adults is 500mg to 1000mg taken orally twice daily. Common drug interactions include warfarin, phenobarbital, and phenytoin. Depakote ER can cause serious side effects, including liver damage, pancreatitis, and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take Depakote ER. It is important to take Depakote ER exactly as prescribed by your doctor and to talk to your doctor before stopping the medication.