Can Dogs Take Divalproex Foe Seizures?

Depakote is indicated for use as an anticonvulsant drug in people of all ages. It is used mainly as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy for

simple or complex absence seizures

, either alone or with other seizure types (such as for juvenile myoclonic epilepsy). It is also effective for partial seizures.

Can dogs take divalproex?

Depakote is a human prescription medication that

veterinarians can prescribe to dogs diagnosed with seizures

. Dogs who need Depakote usually take it for life to control seizures and convulsions.

How can I stop my dog from having seizures at home?

1. Keep Yourself Calm. …
2. Sit Near Your Dog. …
3. Time Your Dog’s Seizures. …
4. Carefully Move Your Dog to a Safer Location. …
5. Speak in Comforting Tones. …
6. Lower Your Dog’s Body Temperature. …
7. Wrap and Comfort Your Dog. …
8. Let Your Dog Sleep.

What is the safest seizure medication for dogs?

In general,

phenobarbital

is considered a safe drug when levels and blood analysis (complete blood count and biochemistry) are performed regularly. Many owners report an increase in their pet’s appetite and thirst when initially placed on phenobarbital.

What can trigger a seizure in a dog?

• Epilepsy.
• Heat Exhaustion.
• Nutritional imbalances such as thiamine deficiency.
• Low blood sugar levels.
• Liver disease.
• Tumors.

Is divalproex the same as Keppra?

Are Keppra and Depakote the Same Thing?

Keppra (levetiracetam) and Depakote (divalproex sodium) are anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) (anticonvulsants) used to treat seizures in people with epilepsy

. Keppra is often used in conjunction with other drugs.

Can divalproex cause seizures?

A: Do not stop taking Depakote without first talking to your doctor.

Stopping Depakote suddenly can cause serious problems, including seizures that do not stop

(also known as “status epilepticus”). Please see Full Prescribing Information with Medication Guide for the complete list of side effects.

What are the side effects of divalproex?

Diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, hair loss, blurred/double vision, change in menstrual periods, ringing in the ears, shakiness (tremor), unsteadiness, weight changes

may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Can honey help dogs with seizures?

After dogs come out of a seizure,

a little all-natural vanilla ice cream, honey, or natural maple syrup will help to raise their sugar levels back up

. Follow with a protein such as little kibble, cheese stick, a spoonful of cottage cheese, chicken, etc. to help stabilize those sugar levels.

What natural remedy can I give my dog for seizures?

In both capsule and tincture form, many natural over-the-counter Western herbs — including

milk thistle, valerian, and oat straw

— are used to treat seizures. Milk thistle is often recommended by holistic veterinarians to be used in conjunction with phenobarbital.

Is there medication for dog seizures?

Fortunately,

veterinarians can prescribe medications to help control seizures in dogs

. Phenobarbital is usually the first-choice medication for treating epilepsy. However, it may take some trial and error to decide whether it will work for your pet.

Should I put my dog down if he has seizures?

If your dog only experiences one seizure and is otherwise healthy, then you don’t need to consider putting it down

. However, if your dog is having multiple seizures and does not respond well to treatment, then euthanasia may be the best decision for both you and your pet.

When do dogs need seizure medication?

We advise starting an antiepileptic drug if your pet has an average of 2 or more seizures per month, has one seizure that is very prolonged (more than 5 minutes), or has seizures which occur in a “cluster” (2 or more seizures in one 24 hour period).

How long does it take Keppra to work in dogs?

This medication should take effect within

1 to 2 hours

; however, effects may not be visibly obvious and therefore laboratory tests may need to be done to evaluate whether the medication is working.

What not to feed a dog that has seizures?

Things to Avoid

Chemical preservatives, such as BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin

may increase seizure activity, as well. At least initially, organ meats such as livers and kidneys should be avoided. An article in Whole Dog Journal suggests that the diet of a dog with seizures should be free of gluten.

Why is my senior dog having seizures?

Senior dogs are more prone to kidney and liver disease

. As either of those organs fail, toxins build up in their blood stream. When these toxins reach the brain, seizures can occur.

Why is my dog still having seizures on medication?

It can take months to get seizure activity under control, and your pet can continue to have seizures while on medication. Based on your pet’s seizure activity and the therapeutic blood levels of the medication,

adjustments in dosage may be necessary

. Remember, these medications are not a cure for seizures.

What dog breeds are more prone to seizures?

Your dog is most likely to suffer from seizures if he or she is a

Belgian Tervuren, Shetland sheepdog, beagle, Labrador retriever, golden retriever, keeshond, or vizsla

. Other breeds more prone to seizures include the Finnish spitz, Bernese mountain dog, Irish wolfhound, and English springer spaniel.

How long are dogs confused after a seizure?

Once the seizure has ended, dogs will have a prolonged post-ictal recovery period. This period may last

up to 24 hours

, depending on the individual dog. During the post-ictal period, dogs are typically confused and disoriented.

How Do dogs Act after a seizure?

Postictal phase: After the seizure, many dogs exhibit a postictal phase characterized by disorientation. This may last minutes to hours. The most commonly reported signs are

behavior changes, prolonged sleepiness, confusion, transient blindness, and eating voraciously

.

Can you take Keppra and divalproex together?

Using divalproex sodium together with levETIRAcetam may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating

. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination.

What is the best medication for seizures?

• Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, others)
• Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek)
• Valproic acid (Depakene)
• Oxcarbazepine (Oxtellar, Trileptal)
• Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
• Gabapentin (Gralise, Neurontin)
• Topiramate (Topamax)
• Phenobarbital.

What is the brand name for divalproex?

Divalproex sodium oral tablet is available as brand-name drugs and as generic drugs. Brand names:

Depakote, Depakote ER

. Divalproex sodium comes in three forms: oral delayed-release tablets, oral extended-release tablets, and oral delayed-release sprinkle capsules.

Is divalproex a narcotic?

Is divalproex a narcotic?

No, divalproex isn’t a narcotic

. Divalproex belongs to a group of drugs called antiepileptics.

Which is better Keppra or Depakote?

Depakote (divalproex) is good for long-term prevention of seizures, manic episodes in bipolar disorder, and migraines. Prevents seizures. Keppra (levetiracetam) is effective for preventing seizures in people with epilepsy and has fewer drug interactions than its alternatives.

Can divalproex be crushed?

Depakote Delayed-Release Tablets and Depakote ER should be swallowed whole and

should not be crushed or chewed

.