Depakote Sprinkle Capsules contain divalproex sodium, a prescription medicine that is converted to valproate in the body. It belongs to a group of medicines called anticonvulsants, also known as antiepileptic drugs.
The Depakote Sprinkle Capsule formulation is specifically approved to treat certain types of seizures, either by itself or together with other seizure medicines.
Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
Depakote Sprinkles may be prescribed for complex partial seizures in adults and children 10 years of age and older. Complex partial seizures, also called focal impaired-awareness seizures, begin in one area of the brain and can affect awareness or behavior.
During a seizure, a person may experience symptoms such as:
- Staring or appearing confused
- Repetitive movements
- Changes in awareness
- Unusual sensations
- Temporary difficulty responding to others
Depakote Sprinkles help stabilize abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This can help reduce how often seizures occur and improve seizure control.
Absence Seizures
Depakote Sprinkles may also be used to treat simple and complex absence seizures, with or without other types of seizures.
Absence seizures often cause a brief loss of awareness. A person may suddenly stop what they are doing, stare for a few seconds, and then return to normal activity without remembering what happened.
Depakote Sprinkles help control the abnormal brain activity that causes these episodes.
Can Depakote Sprinkles Be Used With Other Seizure Medicines?
Yes. Depakote Sprinkles may be used alone or together with other seizure medications, depending on the type and severity of the seizure disorder.
Your healthcare provider will decide whether divalproex should be used alone or as part of a combination treatment.
What About Bipolar Disorder?
Divalproex sodium is also used in some formulations to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. However, it is important to distinguish the medication itself from the specific Depakote Sprinkle Capsule formulation.
The current prescribing information for Depakote Sprinkle Capsules specifically lists seizure disorders as its approved uses. Other Depakote formulations have approved indications for mania.
Your healthcare provider may determine whether a particular divalproex formulation is appropriate based on your condition.
What About Migraine Prevention?
Divalproex is also used in certain formulations to help prevent migraine headaches. However, migraine prevention is an approved indication for Depakote delayed-release tablets and Depakote ER, rather than specifically for Depakote Sprinkle Capsules.
These medicines are taken regularly to help reduce migraine attacks. They are not intended to provide immediate relief from a migraine that has already started.
How Do Depakote Sprinkles Work?
Depakote Sprinkles affect chemical messengers and electrical signals in the brain. Valproate helps calm excessive nerve activity, which can make the brain’s electrical activity more stable.
This effect helps prevent the sudden bursts of abnormal electrical activity that can cause seizures.
Why Are They Called “Sprinkles”?
Depakote Sprinkle Capsules contain specially coated delayed-release particles of divalproex sodium. Each capsule contains the equivalent of 125 mg of valproic acid.
The capsule may be swallowed whole. For people who have difficulty swallowing capsules, it may also be opened and the contents sprinkled onto a small amount of soft food, such as applesauce or pudding. The particles should be swallowed without chewing.
How Long Does Depakote Sprinkles Take to Work?
How quickly the medicine works can vary from person to person. For seizure treatment, the goal is to maintain enough medicine in the body to help prevent future seizures.
Your healthcare provider may gradually adjust your dose until your seizures are well controlled. Blood tests may sometimes be used to measure valproate levels and make sure your dose is appropriate.
Why Is Regular Dosing Important?
Depakote Sprinkles work best when taken regularly as prescribed. Missing doses can lower the amount of medicine in your body and may increase your risk of having a seizure.
Do not change your dose or suddenly stop taking Depakote Sprinkles without speaking with your healthcare provider. Suddenly stopping an antiepileptic medicine can cause seizures to become worse or occur more often.
Important Safety Information
Valproate medicines such as Depakote can cause serious side effects, including liver problems, pancreatitis, and problems during pregnancy. They also require special caution in people with certain liver, metabolic, or mitochondrial disorders.
Tell your healthcare provider about your complete medical history and all medicines or supplements you take before starting treatment.
Your healthcare provider may order blood tests during treatment to check your liver function, blood cell counts, and sometimes the amount of valproate in your blood.
Important Pregnancy Warning
Valproate can cause major birth defects and developmental problems in an unborn baby. Its use during pregnancy requires careful consideration, especially when other effective treatments are available.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or could become pregnant, discuss the risks and treatment options with your healthcare provider.
Do not suddenly stop Depakote Sprinkles if you become pregnant, particularly if you take it for seizures. Contact your healthcare provider promptly so your treatment can be reviewed safely.
REVIEWS