Depakote divalproex

Depakote (divalproex sodium) is an enteric-coated stable compound containing both valproic acid and sodium valproate... 

Valproic acid (Depakene or Depakote [divalproex sodium]) is a structurally unique anticonvulsant. It is used for the treatment of absence seizures, partial complex, and generalized seizure disorders and is a secondary agent for refractory status epilepticus. It is also commonly used for the prophylaxis and treatment of acute manic episodes and other affective disorders, migraine prophylaxis, and chronic pain syndromes. 

Valproic acid is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. There is a delay in the absorption with the preparation Depakote (divalproex sodium), because of its delayed-release fonaulation as well as the intestinal conversion of divalproex to 2 molecules of valproic acid. 

Monitor patients for at least 6 hours after ingestion and for up to 12 hours after ingestion of Depakote (divalproex sodium) because of the potential for delayed absorption. 

Depakote (Divalproex sodium). Abbott Laboratories. US Prescribing information, October... 

Divalproex sodium Depakote Enteric-coated, 750-3000 mg/day (20-60 mg/kg Monotherapy or in... 

Depakote ER Extended-release tablet Extended release divalproex may and for maintenance... 

The enteric-coated tablet divalproex sodium causes fewer GI side effects. It is metabolized in the gut to valproic acid. When switching from Depakote to Depakote-ER, the dose should be increased by 14% to 20%. Depakote ER may be given once daily. 

Divalproex sodium Depakote Enteric-coated, delayed-... 

Of the mood stabilizers, valproic acid (Depakene, Depakote) is the most widely used. Like the other mood stabilizers, its onset of action can be delayed by several days. Valproic acid is a reasonably well tolerated mood stabilizer. It does occasionally cause tremor, and it can on rare occasion lower platelet counts or cause liver problems. For this reason, blood monitoring is required when starting this medication. In addition, valproic acid can irritate the stomach lining, but this problem is largely overcome by using the buffered form sodium divalproex (Depakote or Depakote ER). Finally, valproic acid can also cause hair loss or drowsiness. 

Brief Mild Agitation. For the acnte treatment of mild agitation without physical aggression, low doses of trazodone are preferred. If this mild agitation persists, several options are available. Yonr patient s physician may continne to nse trazodone or may prefer sodinm divalproex (Depakote), bnspirone (Buspar), or any of the SSRI antidepressants. These are all well tolerated bnt should be started at low doses and slowly raised npward as needed. 

Divalproex Sodium Depakote 125, 250, 500 mg delayed-release tablets... 

Tablets, delayed-release 125, 250, and 500 mg (as divalproex sodium) Rx) Depakote (Abbott)...

Depakote, Depakene, Dalpro divalproex = valproic acid Convulex... 

Brand Name(s) (divalproex sodium) Depacon, Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkle... 

Beydoun, A., Sackellares, J.C., and Shu, V. (1997) Safety and efficacy of divalproex sodium monotherapy in partial epilepsy a doubleblind, concentration-response design clinical trial. Depakote Monotherapy for Partial Seizures Study Group. Neurology 48 182-188. 

Divalproex (Depakote) was found to reduce temper outbursts and emotional lability in 10 adolescents with conduct disorder (Donovan et al., 1997). Studies of carbamazepine have yielded conflicting results. Cueva et al. (1996) did not find carbamazepine to be more effective than placebo in treating children hospitalized for conduct disorder in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. As in the case of lithium, side effects (rashes, leukopenia, nausea, drowsiness) can be an issue with carbamazepine, offsetting its use. 

Divalproex sodium (Depakote, 125-, 250-, 500-mg tablets 125-mg sprinkle capsules) Valproate sodium injection (Depacon) Valproic acid (Depakene, 250-mg capsules ... 

Oral 200 mg tablets, 100 mg chewable tablets 100 mg/5 mL oral suspension Oral extended-release 100, 200, 400 mg tablets 100, 200, 300 mg capsules Divalproex (Depakote)... 

Divalproex sodium (Depakote ) is used to treat epilepsy and inhibits the firing of nerve cells. This medication appears to be a promising treatment for migraines, although its precise mechanism of action is unknown. 

Three antiepileptic drugs have now been FDA approved as mood stabilizers for the prevention of recurring episodes of mania divalproex sodium (Depakote), extended-release carbamazepine (Equetro), and lamotrigine (Lamictal). Many of these drugs are prescribed to children for the control of epilepsy and, increasingly, for bipolar disorder. A critical question is their effect on the developing mental and emotional function of children, but there is little research on the subject (Loring, 2005). 

Tablet [delayed release, as divalproex sodium (Depakote)] 125 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg... 

Divalproex sodium extended-release (Depakote ER) is a once daily (QD) formulation for VPA that was developed to improve patient compliance and reduce side effects compared to the standard twice-daily (BID) delayed release (DR) formulation (Depakote tablets). However, there are concerns of potential subthera-peutic concentrations following delayed or missed doses or toxic concentrations with replacement doses for the ER and DR formulations. 

Pharmacokinetics. Valproic acid appears to be absorbed completely from available oral dosage forms when administered on an empty stomach. However, the rate of absorption differs among preparations. Peak concentrations occur in 0.5 to 1 hour with the syrup, 1 to 3 hours with the capsule, and 2 to 6 hours with the enteric-coated tablet. The extended-release formulation (Depakote-ER) is FDA approved for use in both patients with migraine headache and epilepsy. It should be noted, however, that the bioavailability of this formulation is approximately 15% less than that of enteric-coated divalproex sodium (Depakote). 

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