Depakote (divalproex sodium) Coupons, Discounts & Cost
Depakote (divalproex sodium) is an anticonvulsant preparation used for the treatment of epilepsy, bipolar disorder and migraine. One way to save money on the Depakote (divalproex sodium) retail cost regardless of income and insurance status is to use Depakote (divalproex sodium) coupons or discount cards from RXCoupons. Use our Depakote (divalproex sodium) coupons at your online pharmacy and receive up to 75% off the sale price each time you refill your prescription.
What should patients know about Depakote (divalproex sodium)?
Depakote (divalproex sodium) is an anticonvulsant preparation used for the treatment of epilepsy, bipolar disorder and migraine.
Divalproex sodium is a combination of sodium valproate and valproic acid. This dosage form (tablets) is used to treat certain types of epilepsy and manic episodes caused by bipolar disorder (manic-depressive syndrome). It is effective for the acute stage of mania and for patients with partial seizures. The drug can be administered in high doses to quickly stabilize the patient’s condition. It can be used with lithium, carbamazepine and atypical neuroleptics.
What are Depakote (divalproex sodium) indications for use?
Adults (as monotherapy or in combination with other antiepileptic drugs): - Treatment of epilepsy with generalized seizures; - Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS); - Treatment of partial seizures; - Treatment and prevention of bipolar disorder.
Children (as monotherapy or in combination with other antiepileptic drugs): - Treatment of epilepsy with generalized seizures; - Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS); - Treatment of partial seizures.
Depakote (divalproex sodium) dosage in children and adults
The recommended starting dose is 10-15 mg/kg per day. The dose may be increased slowly by 5-10 mg/kg per day every week until reaching the daily dose of 60 mg/kg.
What are the contraindications for Depakote (divalproex sodium)?
There are several contraindications for Depakote therapy: hypersensitivity to sodium valproate or valproic acid, acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, severe liver disease (drug-induced hepatitis), severe liver injury, severe disorders of the pancreas, hepatic porphyria.
Depakote can be used with extreme caution in patients with pancreas and liver problems, congenital fermentopathy, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, renal failure, hypoproteinemia.
The drug should not be used in combination with mefloquine, phenothiazines, benzodiazepines, other anticonvulsants (due to the high risk of liver damage), drugs that provoke seizures (such as tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), MAO inhibitors, anticoagulants, antidepressants, phenobarbital, primidone, phenytoin, zidovudine, cimetidine, erythromycin.
Side effects of Depakote (divalproex sodium)
The most common Depakote (divalproex sodium) side effects are: anorexia, nausea, dyspepsia, tremor (mostly in adult patients, rarely in children), thrombocytopenia, pancreatitis, stupor or coma), behavioral disorders and depression. Severe liver injury risk is higher in children younger than 11 years of age and in patients taking valproic acid in combination with other AEDs.
Chronic side effects (occurring during chronic administration of the drug) include weight gain, hair loss and platelet function disorders.
Treatment with Depakote may be associated with a high risk of polycystic ovary syndrome in women.
Depakote (divalproex sodium) drug interactions
Valproic acid increases plasma concentrations of carbamazepine, phenobarbital and lamotrigine. Phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone and carbamazepine may reduce plasma concentrations of valproic acid. Valproic acid can reduce the total concentration of phenytoin.
Depakote (divalproex sodium) special instructions
Depakote (divalproex sodium) should be avoided in patients with impaired hepatic function (valproic acid may cause thrombocytopenia, platelet function disorders).
How to use Depakote (divalproex sodium) during pregnancy and lactation
Depakote (divalproex sodium) (as well as some other AEDs) may increase the risk of congenital anomalies of the fetus. Therefore, it is necessary to compare the risks and benefits of using Depakote in women of childbearing age.
Note that even low concentrations of divalproex sodium in plasma can have an effect on a child's growth and development. Therefore, it is necessary to compare the risks and benefits of using Depakote during breastfeeding.