The “ER” in Depakote ER stands for Extended Release. Available in two strengths, Depakote ER contains the same active ingredient as Depakote Delayed-Release Tablets but it is designed to slowly deliver the medication over a 24-
hour period
. This means that Depakote ER only has to be taken once a day.
Is Depakote Extended Release?
Depakote ER is an
extended-release product
intended for once-a-day oral administration. Depakote ER tablets should be swallowed whole and should not be crushed or chewed.
What is the difference between extended release and delayed release?
Delayed release: drug is released only at some point after the initial administration. Extended release:
prolongs the release to reduce dosing frequency
.
What is the generic for Depakote ER?
Divalproex sodium
is a stable coordination compound comprised of sodium valproate and valproic acid used to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, epilepsy, and migraine headaches. Divalproex sodium is available under the following different brand names: Depakote, Depakote ER, and Depakote Sprinkles.
What is Depakote ER used for?
This medication is used to treat
seizure disorders, mental/mood conditions
(such as manic phase of bipolar disorder), and to prevent migraine headaches. It works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.
Should I take Depakote ER in the morning or at night?
Q: What time of day should I take Depakote? A: You should take Depakote at a time of day when you can best remember to take it consistently—for instance,
in the morning with breakfast
or in the evening before you go to bed.
How many hours apart should Depakote be given?
Since Depakote ER is generally taken
once every 24 hours
, they should allow an interval of about 12 hours before taking the second dose, and then resume a 24-hour schedule the next day. Patients who often forget doses may benefit from using a special pillbox or watch with an alarm.
How quickly will Depakote work?
Tablets take 4 hours to reach a peak
, Depakote sprinkles take just over three. Food can delay the absorption of Depakote (food has a more significant effect on the tablets compared with the sprinkles). It may take several weeks of regular dosing before an effect on mood or seizure frequency is reported.
Does Depakote help with anger?
Depakote is a mood stabilizing medication that may be beneficial in treating individuals with disruptive behavior disorders. The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of Depakote in
reducing temper outbursts
and improving mood in individuals with disruptive behavior disorders.
What are signs of Depakote toxicity?
Call your doctor at once if the person taking this medicine has signs of liver or pancreas problems, such as:
loss of appetite, upper stomach pain
(that may spread to your back), ongoing nausea or vomiting, dark urine, swelling in the face, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Is 1000 mg Depakote too much?
The recommended starting dose of Depakote for the prevention of migraine is 250 mg twice daily. The dose may be increased until migraine control is achieved. The
maximum recommended dose is 1000 mg/day as needed
.
Does Depakote help with anxiety?
Can depakote cause rash? DEPAKOTE divalproex sodium delayed-release does depakote treat anxiety, for oral use, is a valproate and is
indicated for the treatment of the manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder
.
Can you suddenly stop taking Depakote?
WARNING: The FDA advises
to never abruptly stop using Depakote
or any anti-convulsive except where a life-threatening condition requires immediate cessation.
What can you not take with Depakote?
Some products that may interact with this drug include: certain
antidepressants
(e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline, phenelzine), certain antibiotics (carbapenems such as doripenem, imipenem), irinotecan, mefloquine, orlistat, other medications for seizure (e.g., ethosuximide, lamotrigine, phenytoin, rufinamide, …
What are the long term effects of taking Depakote?
What are the potential long-term effects of taking Depakote? Depakote
can cause liver damage
, and the risk is more likely to occur during the first 6 months of taking the medication.
What does Depakote do to the brain?
Divalproex sodium
works by increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain
. The body produces GABA naturally. It is a chemical neurotransmitter — or brain messenger. Faster than normal electrical impulses in the brain can cause erratic impulses.
