Depakote

Depakote is a prescription medicine that is used for treating epilepsy and manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. It is also approved to help prevent migraine headaches. Depakote, which is available in the form of tablets and sprinkle capsules, is a delayed-release drug. Some possible side effects of the medication include nausea or vomiting, drowsiness, shakiness, and headaches.

 

What Is Depakote?

Depakote® (divalproex sodium) is a prescription medication used to treat the following conditions:
 
There are several different Depakote products available. This article refers to regular Depakote delayed-release tablets and Depakote® Sprinkle capsules. For information on the long-acting form, see Depakote ER® (divalproex ER).
 
(Click Depakote Uses for more information on what the drug is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Depakote?

It is made by Abbott Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does It Work?

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that occurs when there are recurring, brief changes in how the brain's electrical system works. These changes in brain activity can lead to a seizure (see Epilepsy Symptoms).
 
Depakote works by increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a natural brain chemical that stops or slows down other brain signals. Increasing GABA helps prevent the abnormal brain signals that lead to a seizure. It is also thought that Depakote may also prevent seizures by affecting sodium channels in the brain.
 
Depakote tablets are "delayed-release," which means they have a special coating that prevents the drug from dissolving too early in the digestive tract (which can be irritating). The beads inside Depakote Sprinkle capsules also have this special coating. Depakote is very similar to an older medication, Depakene® (valproic acid). Depakote is changed into valproic acid in the digestive tract. This (along with the special coating) helps reduce some of the side effects, compared to the older product (Depakene).
 

Effectiveness

Several studies have evaluated the safety and effectiveness of this medication.
 
Mania
In one study, Depakote was compared to lithium (Lithobid®, Eskalith®) or a "sugar pill" (placebo) to treat people who were hospitalized with an episode of mania. After three weeks, those taking Depakote had at least as much improvement in bipolar symptoms as those taking lithium (and more improvement compared to those taking a "sugar pill").
 
Migraines
Another study looked at using the drug for migraine prevention. Those not taking Depakote experienced an average of almost six migraines in four weeks, while people taking it had only three to four migraines, on average.
 
Epilepsy
In one study, the drug was added on to other seizure medications in people with complex partial seizures that were not adequately controlled. Those who added Depakote to their seizure medications decreased their seizure frequency, compared to those who did not take the drug.
 
Other studies have shown that using it alone is also effective for complex partial seizures.
 

When and How to Take Depakote

Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include:
 
  • The drug comes in the form of delayed-release tablets and "sprinkle capsules."
     
  • It can be taken with or without food. If the medicine upsets your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Do not crush, break, or chew the tablets, as this will destroy the protective coating.
     
  • Depakote Sprinkle capsules can be swallowed whole or can be opened and the contents sprinkled on a spoonful of soft food (such as pudding or applesauce). Do not chew the contents, as each tiny bead is delayed-release, with a special protective coating.
     
  • The medication should be taken at the same times each day to maintain even levels of the drug in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
     
  • Do not stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider (see Depakote Withdrawal).
     

Dosing Information

The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Your weight
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Depakote Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Depakote

As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Shakiness (tremors)
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Weakness
  • Drowsiness.
     
(Click Depakote Side Effects to learn more about the possible side effects, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
To learn more about certain side effects of the drug, click on:
 

Drug Interactions

Depakote can potentially interact with many other medicines (see Depakote Drug Interactions).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
 
  • Liver disease, such as liver failure or cirrhosis
  • A urea cycle disorder
  • Mental retardation
  • A blood disorder
  • Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Depakote Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much of the medication may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Drowsiness
  • Heart block (a problem with the electrical system of the heart)
  • Coma
  • Loss of life.
     
If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Depakote Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should It Be Stored?

The medicine should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. You should store the tablets and capsules in an airtight container.
 
Keep Depakote and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your dose as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you miss any of your Depakote doses, as this information may be helpful in adjusting your dosage.
 

Strengths of Depakote

Depakote delayed-release tablets are available in three strengths:
 
  • Depakote 125 mg tablets
  • Depakote 250 mg tablets
  • Depakote 500 mg tablets.
     
Delayed-release Depakote capsules are available in one strength -- Depakote Sprinkle 125 mg capsules.
 

Is There a Generic Version of Depakote?

Currently, there is no generic version of the drug licensed for sale (see Generic Depakote).
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;