What is divalproex 250 mg used for?
Divalproex sodium is used to treat certain types of seizures (epilepsy). This medicine is an anticonvulsant that works in the brain tissue to stop seizures. Divalproex sodium is also used to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness) and helps prevent migraine headaches.
Does divalproex make you gain weight?
Mood stabilizers used to treat bipolar disorder include lithium (Lithobid), valproic acid (Depakene), divalproex sodium (Depakote), carbamazepine (Tegretol, Equetro, others) and lamotrigine (Lamictal). All of these medications are known to increase the risk of weight gain except lamotrigine.
What are the most common side effects of divalproex?
A: Common side effects experienced with Depakote include drowsiness, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, low platelet count, tremors, tiredness, and hair loss.
Is divalproex used for anxiety?
Psychiatric conditions: It is effective in treating bipolar personality disorder and mania. Epilepsy: Its primary use lies in treating simple and complex partial epileptic seizures. Panic disorders: Divalproex has been used successfully in the treatment of panic and anxiety disorders.
Is divalproex used for dementia?
Conclusion: Divalproex appeared to be as effective as previously reported rates for neuroleptics in the treatment of behavioral disturbances in dementia. The combination of divalproex and a neuroleptic was effective in patients who had failed either agent administered independently.
Does divalproex affect your memory?
Divalproex treatment was associated with accelerated brain volume loss over 1 year and perhaps with greater cognitive impairment. The long-term clinical effects of these changes are not known.
Can divalproex cause hair loss?
Hair loss. According to one study, Depakote has been reported to cause hair loss in less than 3% of patients taking it. It is primarily reported in women who are between 40 and 49 years old. If patients are concerned about Depakote and hair loss, they should discuss this with their healthcare provider.
How do you stop hair loss from Depakote?
If a certain medication is causing hair loss, talk to your doctor about changing the dose, the drug, or the regimen, Gibson says. For example, she’s found that for some patients taking divalproex sodium (Depakote) who report significant hair loss, adding a daily multivitamin offsets the problem. Dr.
Does divalproex cause memory loss?
Is Depakote used for Alzheimer’s?
Mood-stabilizers. They generally reduce the “excitability” of brain cells. Commonly used drugs: Valproic acid (brand name Depakote) is the most commonly used medication of this type, in older adults with dementia. It is available in short- and long-acting formulations.
Can divalproex get you High?
Your friend probably just got a little loopy which can happen especially when starting these kinds of meds but is in no way a high and would not be a good idea to use recreationally. Antipsychotic medication is not a good recreational choice.
Is divalproex a controlled substance?
Valproate products are FDA-approved drugs to treat seizures. Some valproate products are also approved to treat manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder (manic-depressive disorder), or for the prevention of migraine headaches. FDA-approved product labeling identifies approved indications for each product.
Is there generic divalproex?
It is available in brand and generic versions. Generic divalproex is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower. The lowest GoodRx price for the most common version of generic Depakote is around $13.65, 86% off the average retail price of $101.80.
Is divalproex 500 mg addictive?
Rarely, this medication has caused serious (sometimes fatal) liver problems, usually within the first 6 months of starting treatment. Laboratory tests should be performed before you start treatment and periodically during treatment, especially within the first 6 months, to monitor this side effect.