Depakote Extended Release 250 mg (Divalproex Sodium)

Adult dose

This drug is administered once daily and should be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed. 1. Treatment of seizures - The starting dose for complex partial seizure monotherapy is 10-15 mg per kg of body weight per day, with a weekly increase of 5-10 mg until optimal clinical response is achieved. - For simple and mixed absence seizures, the initial dose is 15 mg per kg of body weight per day, with an increase of 5-10 mg weekly.

Child dose

Can be administered to children aged 10 and older, with the initial dose for monotherapy in seizure treatment being 10-15 mg per kg of body weight per day, with an increase of 5-10 mg every week. Transition from Divalproex Sodium enteric-coated tablets.

This medication is used to treat epilepsy, mania, and for migraine prevention, and special caution is required for women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. It is a principle that this drug should not be administered during pregnancy, and if it must be used, strict adherence to a pregnancy prevention program is necessary. This drug can affect liver function; therefore, patients with liver disease or impaired liver function should avoid or use it cautiously. In particular, the risk of liver damage is high in children under 3 years of age, so it should only be used as monotherapy, and regular liver function tests are essential. This medication can cause pancreatitis, so if symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite occur, immediate medical attention should be sought. Moreover, this drug may cause thrombocytopenia, and patients with bleeding tendencies should monitor their condition through blood tests. There may be an increased risk of mental health issues such as depression or suicidal thoughts, so mood or behavior changes should be closely monitored during treatment. Drowsiness or dizziness may occur while taking this medication, so it is advisable to avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery. Concomitant use with carbapenem antibiotics may reduce the effectiveness of this medication; hence, concurrent use should be avoided. This medication can cause hypocarniotinemia and hyperammonemia; if these symptoms are suspected, immediate consultation with healthcare professionals is required. For male patients, sperm donation should be avoided for 3 months before and after taking this drug, and if planning for pregnancy, consultation with a doctor is mandatory. It is very important to undergo regular blood tests and liver function tests to confirm safety during treatment.

Serious side effects

Hives, severe swelling (edema), chest tightness, difficulty breathing, cold sweat, pallor, severe rash with fever, blisters, skin peeling, pain in mucous membranes of mouth/eyes, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, asthma attack, respiratory abnormalities accompanied by cough and fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), severe lethargy, sudden and very severe headache, thunderclap headache, seizures, confusion, visual disturbances, paralysis, urination issues.

Mild side effects

• Headache
• weakness
• fever
• nausea
• vomiting
• abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• indigestion
• constipation

Store this medication in a tightly closed container to protect it from air and moisture. It is important to maintain the storage temperature between 1 to 30 degrees Celsius at room temperature.

Appearance

White to off-white oval extended-release tablet

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 100 tablets/bottle