Generic name:divalproex sodium [ dye-val-PRO-ex ]
Drug class:Fatty acid derivative anticonvulsants
What is Depakote?
Depakote affects chemicals in the body that may be involved in causing seizures. Depakote is used to treat various types of seizure disorders. This medicine is sometimes used together with other seizure medications.
Depakote tablets and capsules are used to treat seizures in people with epilepsy who are at least 10 years old. The tablets are sometimes used together with other seizure medications.
Depakote tablets are also used in adults to prevent migraine headaches, or to treat manic episodes related to bipolar disorder (manic depression).
Warnings
Depakote can cause liver failure that may be fatal, especially in children under age 2 and in people with liver problems caused by certain genetic disorders.
You should not use divalproex if you have liver disease, a urea cycle disorder, low platelet counts, or a genetic disorder such as Alpers' disease or Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome.
Do not start or stop taking Depakote during pregnancy without your doctor's advice. Divalproex sodium may harm an unborn baby, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Do not use Depakote to prevent migraine headaches if you are pregnant.
Call your doctor at once if the person taking this medicine has signs of liver or pancreas problems, such as: loss of appetite, upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back), ongoing nausea or vomiting, dark urine, swelling in the face, or
