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Comparing Depakote

Depakote

divalproex sodium

Depakote may be used in the treatment of epilepsy, mania, and to prevent migraines; however, people taking Depakote should be monitored for potentially fatal side effects such as liver failure and... more

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

Recent helpful reviews
6.3
217 Reviews

For Bipolar Disorder For mood stabilization, depakote worked out well for me, but it also helped me gain about 50 lbs! Once I started slowly switching off it, the pounds started coming off.

6
Brutalfashion

For Bipolar Disorder I have been on Depakote ever since I was diagnosed (finally) with bi-polar disorder. I am currently on 1000 MG per day, but have taken as high as 2000 MG per day. On 1000 MG per day I am (or have been somewhat stabilized, which leaves me somewhat hypo manic which seems to be the best level for me. I say somewhat stabilized because I started to go hyper manic in the past 2 weeks, have no idea why. Going to see doctor tomorrow). For the 2 years or so when I was on 2000 per day I was also taking 40 MG per day of Paxil. My moods were stabilized all right, but I turned into a zombie. I have never taken another mood stabilizer so I can not make comparisons. Depakote makes me gain weight big time!

6
jessigirl

View all 217 reviews

Drug Class

Side Effects

Common side effects include: abdominal pain, asthenia, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and anorexia.

See the full Depakote side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance
Quantity 30 delayed release tablet
Dosage 250 mg
Per Unit* $4.69
Cost* $140.80
View all Depakote prices
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Generic Availability

Yes

Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Oral delayed release tablet

Brand Names
Other divalproex sodium brands include: Depakote ER, and Depakote Sprinkles

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

16 hours

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category
D
Category D Positive evidence of risk

When Treating Epilepsy And Manic Episodes Associated With Bipolar Disorder

X
Category X Not for use in pregnancy

When Treating Migraine

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

FDA Alerts

FDA Alerts (5)

Drug Interactions

A total of 756 drugs are known to interact with Depakote:

  • 22 major drug interactions (67 brand and generic names)
  • 683 moderate drug interactions (4967 brand and generic names)
  • 51 minor drug interactions (353 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of divalproex sodium such as dizziness,... more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

March 10, 1983

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

More Information

Consumer Resources

Professional Resources

Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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