Depakote DR (Divalproex Sodium) Tablet ER

Depakote DR Tablet ER is a medicine used to treat epilepsy. It helps prevent and control seizures (fits). It is also used in the prevention of migraines. Occasionally, it may also be used to treat bipolar disorder.

Depakote DR Tablet ER may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. The dose and how often you need to take it will be decided by your doctor so that you get the right amount to control your symptoms. You can take this medicine with or without food but take it at the same time each day to get the most benefit.

It usually takes a couple of weeks to work. It is important to take this medicine regularly and for as long as you are advised, even if you feel well. Missing doses may trigger seizures and, if you stop, your condition may get worse. It should never be stopped suddenly.

This medicine’s most common side effects include headache, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, and unsteadiness. Most of these are not serious. Keep taking the medicine but talk to your doctor if these side effects bother you or do not go away. However, if you notice a skin rash or redness, tell your doctor straight away. Long-term treatment with this medicine can cause osteoporosis (reduced bone mass) and increase your risk of breaking a bone. Also, Depakote DR Tablet ER may rarely lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. If your mood becomes depressed, tell your doctor.

This medicine may not be suitable for everybody. Before using it, tell your doctor if you have ever had heart problems, kidney or liver disease, difficulty urinating, depression, or suicidal thoughts. Many other medicines can interfere with it and some should not be taken together so tell your doctor all the medicines you are taking to make sure it is safe. If you are pregnant, do not start or stop taking this medicine without asking your doctor. Drinking alcohol should be avoided as it can increase some of the side effects and can also increase your risk of seizures. You may need frequent blood tests to help your doctor make sure you are taking the right dose both before you start and while you are using it.

Uses Of Depakote DR Tablet ER  

• Treatment of Epilepsy/Seizures
• Treatment of Bipolar disorder
• Prevention of Migraine 

Benefits Of Depakote DR Tablet ER  

In Treatment Of Epilepsy/Seizures 

Depakote DR Tablet ER is an anticonvulsant (or anti-epileptic) medicine that works by decreasing the nerve impulses which cause the seizures. By controlling the frequency of seizures, it will help you go about your daily activities with more confidence. It helps reduce symptoms such as confusion, uncontrollable jerking movements, loss of awareness, and fear or anxiety.
This medicine is not associated with any physical or psychological dependence (addiction) but it should not be stopped suddenly. It must be taken regularly as prescribed to be effective. Missing doses may trigger a seizure. 

In Treatment Of Bipolar Disorder 

Depakote DR Tablet ER works to restore the normal balance of nerve activity in your brain. It can help prevent extreme changes in mood and help you feel less agitated. You may experience fewer episodes of low mood. It can take several weeks for this medicine to work and you may still feel low during this time. It is likely that you will take this medicine for at least six months but possibly much longer. It needs to be taken regularly to work effectively. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor advises you to. You should continue to eat well and keep fit to reduce symptoms of bipolar disorder. 

In Prevention Of Migraine 

It is not fully established how Depakote DR Tablet ER helps prevent migraines. It may change the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain or increase the activity in a region of the brain associated with migraines. By preventing and reducing the frequency of headaches, it can help you carry out your daily activities and have a better quality of life.

Side Effects Of Depakote DR Tablet ER  

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them.

Common Side Effects Of Depakote DR

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Weakness
• Abdominal pain
• Infection
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sleepiness
• Hair loss
• Weight gain
• Double vision
• Diarrhea
• Tremors
• Weight loss
• Flu-like symptoms

How To Use Depakote DR Tablet ER  

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Depakote DR Tablet ER may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How Depakote DR Tablet ER Works

Depakote DR Tablet ER is an antiepileptic medication. It controls seizures or fits by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.