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Depakote ER (Divalproex ER) Shopper Approved

Prescription Prescription Required FormationFormulation: Extended Release Tablet

Depakote ER

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Prescription Prescription Required FormationFormulation: Extended Release Tablet

Divalproex ER

(Generic Alternative)

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Depakote ER contains divalproex sodium, a prescription medicine that affects certain chemicals and electrical signals in the brain. It belongs to a group of medicines called anticonvulsants, also known as antiepileptic drugs.

Depakote ER is used to treat certain types of seizures, manage manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder, and help prevent migraine headaches in adults.

Epilepsy and Seizures

Depakote ER can be used to treat certain types of seizures in adults and children 10 years of age and older. It may be used by itself or together with other seizure medicines.

It may be prescribed for:

  • Complex partial seizures
  • Simple absence seizures
  • Complex absence seizures
  • Multiple seizure types that include absence seizures

Seizures happen when there is a sudden burst of unusual electrical activity in the brain. Depending on the type of seizure, a person may experience staring spells, confusion, unusual movements, loss of awareness, or uncontrolled muscle movements.

Depakote ER helps stabilize electrical activity in the brain. This can help reduce how often seizures happen and improve seizure control.

It is important to take Depakote ER regularly. Suddenly stopping an antiepileptic medicine can increase the risk of serious seizures.

Bipolar Disorder and Manic Episodes

Depakote ER is also used to treat acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder, including episodes that occur with or without psychotic symptoms.

Bipolar disorder is a condition that causes significant changes in mood, energy, activity levels, and behavior.

During a manic episode, a person may experience:

  • Extremely high or irritable mood
  • Increased energy or activity
  • Racing thoughts
  • Rapid or excessive talking
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Little need for sleep
  • Impulsive or risky behavior
  • Unusually high confidence

A mixed episode may include symptoms of mania and depression at the same time.

Depakote ER helps stabilize activity in the brain and may reduce symptoms of mania. Your healthcare provider will decide how long treatment should continue based on your symptoms and response. Controlled studies establishing its effectiveness for long-term treatment of mania beyond three weeks are limited, so ongoing treatment should be regularly reviewed.

Migraine Prevention

Depakote ER can also be used to help prevent migraine headaches in adults.

When taken regularly, it may help reduce:

  • How often migraines occur
  • The number of migraine attacks over time
  • The overall burden of recurring migraines

Depakote ER is used for migraine prevention, not for treating a migraine that has already started. There is no evidence that it is effective as an immediate treatment during an acute migraine attack.

Your healthcare provider may recommend a different medication to relieve pain or other symptoms when a migraine occurs.

How Does Depakote ER Work?

Divalproex sodium is converted in the body to valproate. Valproate affects several processes in the brain that help control electrical activity and communication between nerve cells.

One of its effects involves increasing the activity of GABA, a chemical messenger that helps calm excessive nerve activity.

By helping stabilize brain activity, Depakote ER can:

  • Reduce abnormal electrical activity that causes seizures
  • Help control symptoms of mania
  • Help prevent recurring migraine headaches

The exact way it prevents migraines is not completely understood.

What Does “ER” Mean?

The ER in Depakote ER stands for extended release.

The tablet is designed to release the medicine gradually over a longer period. This allows Depakote ER to generally be taken once daily, depending on the condition and prescribed treatment plan.

Depakote ER is different from delayed-release Depakote products. These formulations are not automatically interchangeable at the same dose, so do not switch between them unless your healthcare provider tells you to.

How Long Does Depakote ER Take to Work?

How quickly you notice an improvement depends on the condition being treated.

For seizures, the goal is to maintain a steady amount of medication in the body to help prevent future seizures. For bipolar mania, symptoms may gradually improve as treatment continues. Migraine prevention also requires regular treatment, and it may take time to determine how well the medication reduces migraine frequency.

Keep taking Depakote ER exactly as prescribed even if you do not notice immediate improvement.

Regular Monitoring During Treatment

Your healthcare provider may order blood tests before and during treatment. These tests can help monitor how your body is responding to the medicine and check for possible side effects.

Monitoring may include liver function tests, blood cell counts, and sometimes the amount of valproate in your blood.

This is especially important because valproate medicines can cause serious liver problems, pancreatitis, blood-related problems, and other adverse effects in some patients.

Important Pregnancy Warning

Depakote ER requires special caution during pregnancy because valproate can cause major birth defects and problems with a child’s development and learning.

For migraine prevention, valproate should not be used during pregnancy. People who can become pregnant should discuss pregnancy plans, contraception, and alternative treatments with their healthcare provider before using Depakote ER.

Do not suddenly stop Depakote ER if you become pregnant. Contact your healthcare provider promptly because suddenly stopping seizure treatment may also be dangerous.

Important Things to Remember

Take Depakote ER exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, skip doses regularly, or stop treatment on your own.

Tell your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you take and about any liver problems, bleeding disorders, metabolic conditions, or previous reactions to valproate medicines.

Seek medical attention if you develop serious or unusual symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, unusual bruising or bleeding, extreme tiredness, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or significant changes in thinking or behaviour.

Depakote ER is an extended-release tablet taken by mouth. It is designed to release the medication slowly throughout the day, so it is usually taken once daily.

Take Depakote ER exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Try to take it at about the same time each day to help keep a steady amount of medicine in your body.

Swallow the Tablet Whole

Swallow Depakote ER tablets whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets.

Because the tablet is extended-release, damaging it can affect how the medication is released into your body.

If you have trouble swallowing the tablet whole, tell your healthcare provider. They may recommend another form of medication rather than having you crush or chew Depakote ER.

Taking Depakote ER With Food

Depakote ER may be taken with food if it causes stomach upset. Taking it with a meal or snack may help reduce nausea or stomach discomfort.

Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about how and when to take each dose.

How Is the Dose Determined?

The right dose of Depakote ER is different for each person. Your healthcare provider will consider factors such as:

  • Your age
  • Your body weight
  • The condition being treated
  • How severe your symptoms are
  • Your response to treatment
  • Other medicines you take
  • Your blood levels of valproate, when monitoring is needed

Your dose may be adjusted gradually until your symptoms are controlled with the lowest appropriate dose.

Usual Dose for Bipolar Mania

When Depakote ER is used to treat manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder, the recommended starting dose is generally 25 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, taken once daily.

Your healthcare provider may increase the dose based on how you respond and, when appropriate, the amount of valproate in your blood.

The recommended maximum dose for this use is 60 mg/kg per day.

Dosage for Seizure Disorders

When Depakote ER is used to treat seizures, dosing is also commonly based on body weight. The exact starting dose depends on the type of seizure and whether you are taking other seizure medications.

Your healthcare provider may gradually increase your dose until your seizures are adequately controlled.

Blood tests may sometimes be used to measure valproate levels and help determine whether your dose is appropriate.

Dosage for Migraine Prevention

Depakote ER can also be taken regularly to help prevent migraine headaches in adults.

The dosing schedule for migraine prevention is different from the schedule used for bipolar disorder or seizures. Follow the exact dose prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Depakote ER helps prevent migraines over time. It is not intended to provide immediate relief from a migraine that has already started.

Take Depakote ER Every Day

For the best results, take Depakote ER regularly, even if you feel well.

If you are using it to control seizures, missing doses can increase your risk of having a seizure. If you are taking it for bipolar disorder or migraine prevention, regular dosing is also important for keeping the medication effective.

Do not change your dose or stop taking Depakote ER without speaking with your healthcare provider.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you forget to take a dose, follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

In general, do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed one. If you are unsure what to do, contact your healthcare provider, especially if you take Depakote ER for seizure control.

Do Not Stop Depakote ER Suddenly

Do not suddenly stop taking Depakote ER unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Sudden discontinuation can cause serious problems, particularly in people who take the medication for seizures.

Your healthcare provider may gradually adjust your dose if treatment needs to be changed or stopped.

Monitoring During Treatment

Your healthcare provider may order blood tests while you are taking Depakote ER. These tests may be used to monitor valproate levels and check your liver function, blood cell counts, or other health measures.

Keep your appointments and complete any recommended blood tests. This helps your healthcare provider make sure your dose is working safely and effectively.

Important Reminder

Depakote ER doses can vary greatly depending on the condition being treated. A starting dose of 25 mg/kg/day applies specifically to treatment of acute mania and should not be considered the standard starting dose for every use of Depakote ER.

Always follow the dosage and schedule given by your healthcare provider rather than adjusting the medication based on general dosing information.

Common Side Effects of Depakote ER (Divalproex ER):

Serious Side Effects of Depakote ER (Divalproex ER):

  • Back pain
  • Blurred vision
  • Bruising or bleeding
  • Changes in weight or appetite
  • Change in your mental state
  • Cold feeling
  • Confusion
  • Memory problems
  • Mood changes
  • Easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, or gums)
  • Fever, swollen glands, mouth sores
  • Purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin
  • Severe drowsiness
  • Tiredness
  • Vomiting
  • Worsening seizures
  • Stomach pain
  • Swelling in your hands or feet
  • Tremors
  • Trouble breathing
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Unusual eye movements
  • Problems with walking or coordination

Depakote ER (Divalproex ER) is available in the following forms and strength:

Depakote ER: Extended-Release Tablet

  • 250 mg
  • 500 mg

Depakote ER: Extended-Release Tablet

  • 250 mg
  • 500 mg
  • 750 mg
  • 1000 mg

Depakote ER can cause serious side effects in some people. Your healthcare provider may recommend regular blood tests and other monitoring during treatment. Tell them about your medical history and all medicines or supplements you take.

Alcohol

It is best to limit or avoid alcohol while taking Depakote ER. Alcohol can increase drowsiness, dizziness, and other side effects caused by the medication.

Because Depakote ER can also affect the liver, ask your healthcare provider whether alcohol is safe for you during treatment.

Liver Problems

Depakote ER can cause serious liver damage, especially during the first several months of treatment. The risk is higher in children younger than 2 years and in certain people with metabolic, mitochondrial, or liver conditions.

Your healthcare provider may check your liver function before treatment and regularly afterward.

Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you develop symptoms such as:

  • Unusual tiredness or weakness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Ongoing nausea or vomiting
  • Swelling of the face
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • Dark urine

Pancreatitis

Rarely, Depakote ER can cause pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas and can be life-threatening.

Seek medical attention right away if you develop severe or ongoing abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.

Bleeding and Low Platelet Counts

Depakote ER can lower the number of platelets in your blood. Platelets help your blood clot normally.

A low platelet count can make you bruise or bleed more easily. Your healthcare provider may order blood tests to monitor your platelet levels and blood clotting.

Tell your healthcare provider if you notice unusual bruising, frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or bleeding that takes longer than usual to stop.

Drowsiness and Dizziness

Depakote ER may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or slowed thinking.

Avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing activities that require your full attention until you know how the medication affects you.

Mood Changes and Suicidal Thoughts

Antiepileptic medicines, including Depakote ER, may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in a small number of people.

Pay attention to new or worsening changes in your mood or behavior. These may include depression, anxiety, unusual irritability, agitation, or thoughts of harming yourself.

Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you notice concerning changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior.

High Ammonia Levels

Depakote ER can sometimes cause too much ammonia to build up in the blood. This condition is called hyperammonemia and can affect how the brain works.

Possible symptoms include:

  • Unusual tiredness
  • Confusion
  • Vomiting
  • Changes in alertness
  • Difficulty thinking clearly

Contact your healthcare provider right away if these symptoms occur.

Allergic Reactions

Serious allergic reactions can occur with Depakote ER.

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop hives, a severe skin rash, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing. Depakote ER should not be used by people with a known hypersensitivity to valproate products.

Regular Monitoring

Your healthcare provider may order blood tests before and during treatment to check your liver function, platelet count, and other important health measures.

Keep your medical appointments and tell your healthcare provider about any new or unusual symptoms. Do not change your dose or stop taking Depakote ER without medical advice, especially if you use it to control seizures.

How is Depakote ER Taken?

Depakote ER is taken by mouth as an extended-release tablet, usually once a day. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or break it because this can affect how the medicine is released. You may take Depakote ER with food if it causes stomach upset. Always follow the dosing schedule given by your healthcare provider.

Can Depakote ER Be Used During Pregnancy?

Depakote ER can cause serious harm to an unborn baby, including birth defects and developmental problems. For migraine prevention, valproate medicines should not be used during pregnancy. For other conditions, such as epilepsy or bipolar disorder, a healthcare provider will carefully weigh the benefits and risks. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or could become pregnant. Do not stop Depakote ER suddenly without medical advice, especially if you take it for seizures.

Is Depakote ER Addictive?

No. Depakote ER is not considered addictive and is not a controlled substance. However, you should still take it exactly as prescribed. Do not suddenly stop taking Depakote ER because this may cause your condition to worsen or increase the risk of seizures.

Can Depakote ER Cause Weight Gain?

Yes. Weight gain can occur while taking Depakote ER, although not everyone experiences it. Your healthcare provider may monitor your weight during treatment. If you notice significant or rapid weight gain, increased appetite, or other changes that concern you, speak with your healthcare provider.

REVIEWS

Additional Information Book
Generic name:

Divalproex ER

Formulation:

ER Tablet, Extended Release Tablet

Strength(s):

250mg, 500mg, 750mg, 1000mg

Quantities Available:

90, 100, 180, 270

Why customers love Online Pharmacies Canada

Our online Canadian Pharmacy is known for high standards of quality, safety, and efficiency when it comes to medications.

Our pharmacy offers lower prices on prescription drugs compared to traditional pharmacies.

How to Order

How much Depakote ER can I order at once from a Canadian pharmacy?

When ordering Depakote ER (divalproex ER) from a Canadian pharmacy, you can typically purchase up to a 90-day supply at one time, which is common for prescription medications to ensure adequate management of chronic conditions without frequent refills.

Here’s what you need to know:

Dosage and Quantity: Depakote ER is commonly prescribed in dosages such as 250 mg, 500 mg, or higher, taken once daily. For example, if your prescribed dosage is 500 mg per day, for a 90-day supply, you would order 90 tablets (90 days x 1 tablet per day).

Do you sell divalproex ER?

Yes, we sell divalproex ER on our website. You can enjoy low prices when you order through us. To purchase divalproex ER, you will need a valid prescription from your healthcare provider, as we require this to dispense the medication safely and appropriately. You have the option to submit your prescription by mailing it to us, faxing it, or uploading it securely through your online account.

Do you offer shipping of Depakote ER (divalproex ER) to the United States?

Yes, we ship Depakote ER (divalproex ER) to both the United States and Puerto Rico.

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Online Pharmacies Canada has provided information from third parties intended to increase awareness and does not contain all the information about Depakote ER (Divalproex ER). Talk to your doctor or other qualified medical practitioners for medical attention or advice, or if you have any concerns about Depakote ER (Divalproex ER).