Get Informed: Depakote
Active Ingredient(s)
Divalproex Sodium
What does it do?
This product is used for the treatment of epilepsy, migraine and mania. It is believed to exert its effect by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the brain.
- Last Text Update:
- 2009-Nov-21 2:52 AM
- Last Data Update:
- 2009-Nov-20 6:52 PM
Other Names
- Depakote ER
- Depakote
- Divalproex
- Valproic Acid
- Depakene
- Depakote Sprinkle
- Divalproex Sodium
- Valerin
- Stavzor
- Valproate Sodium
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category:
- D
Black Box Warning
This product has a black box warning relating to its increased risk of liver damage, birth defects and pancreatitis.
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 10 Mar 1983
- Est US Patients*
- 1,977,000
- Generic Available
- Yes
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Depakote or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.
Recent alerts for Depakote
Depakote Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
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What is Depakote used for?
iGuard.org is currently tracking more than 11,600 patients that use Depakote (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Epilepsy / Seizures | 44% | 
|
| Bipolar Disorder | 41% | 
|
| Migraine / Headache | 13% | 
|
| Depression | 3% |
|
| Panic Disorder | 3% | 
|
| Anxiety | 3% |
|
| Other | 6% |
|
How well does Depakote work?
iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 11,600 users taking Depakote (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 78%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Depakote outweigh the bad things.
- 28%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Depakote.
Common Side Effects of Depakote
iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 11,600 users taking Depakote (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
44% of patients experience side-effects on Depakote
18% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Depakote
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Insomnia
-
Drowsiness
-
Weight Gain
-
Balance/Coordination Problems
-
Dizziness
-
Dryness
-
Bladder/Urinary Problems
-
Hair Loss
-
Grogginess/Confusion
-
Fatigue
-
Liver Problems
-
Headache
-
= 10%
Global Patient Feedback for Depakote (Divalproex Sodium) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I have been taking 1000mg of Depakote for five years after a very late diagnosis of bi-polar in addition to my other psychiatric conditions. The worst side affect for me is drowsiness making a 40 hour work week very difficult. Does anyone have suggestions about staying alert in the morning and evening or have alternative medication suggestions? My other psychiatric medications geodon and celexa are life savers and I am very happy with them. Any suggestions?
38 year old Male
Posted: 2009-11-12 23:38:43
Answer/Reply:
I also take Depakote, and Celexa. I had problems with being tired in the Morning as well. My Dr. suggested taking the Depakote and Celexa before going to bed (all at once, none in the morning). That has helped me considerably with my bi-polarism.
40 year old Male
Posted: 2009-11-13 08:36:48
Answer/Reply:
I also have been taking Depakote for quite a few years. I use B6 twice a day after eating to give me energy to make it through the day. When I complained to my physician about the drowsiness that was his solution.
41 year old Female
Posted: 2009-11-18 10:54:38
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
You may be able to break up your dosing of the depakote into smaller doses and shift the times you take it to help manage the drowsiness, perhaps taking it closer to bedtime will help. Before you make any changes, you should consult your doctor and share the symptoms you are experiencing.
Posted: 2009-11-19 22:44:36
Question/Comment:
I have been on the Divalproex Sodium ER 500 for 2 weeks, in that time my body is aching, my legs are throbbing with pins and needles sensations inside them. Also getting severe headaches and ringing in my ears. I told the doctor about this on tuesday and he doubled the dose to 2x every night at bed time. I am taking for Bi-polar along with 50 mg of Trazadone every evening. Are these normal side effects when first taking the medication. Has anyone else experienced this.
47 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-22 22:31:03
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Patients taking Divalproex Sodium ER have reported several of the side effects you mentioned including: leg cramps, twitching, leg pain, ear pain and ear ringing. You should discuss your side effects with your doctor to rule out any other underlying causes and also how you are tolerating the new increased dose. You may need to adjust your dosage under the guidance of your physician if the side effects worsen.
Posted: 2009-10-29 21:57:44
Question/Comment:
I've been taking 200mg of depakote for quite awhile. I haven't noticed any side effects.
55 year old Male
Posted: 2009-09-30 20:33:36
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Depakote ER 500 mg at night for major migraines since 1995. After 30 years of constant headaches this is the first medication that has worked. While I understand the side effects to my liver ( get regular check ups - 1 every 6 months) I feel the relief I get far out ways the cons of this medication. ~~ 51 y/o female
52 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-17 22:34:20
Question/Comment:
Hi
I have been taking Divalproex for years now for bipolar disorder. I was having bad mood wrings before I started taking the medication, and now I am fne. I take a blood test every 30 days so my docter can see where my mood balance is at. My moods have been so much better now.
Thanks Ken
49 year old Male
Posted: 2009-07-26 16:34:57
Answer/Reply:
I also have been taking Depacote ER for over 10 yrs now for Bi Polar and have had excellent results from it. I'd recomend it for anyone with Bi Polar!!!
53 year old Male
Posted: 2009-08-25 09:36:07
You may post comments for the benefit of other patients or post questions other patients might be able to answer. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Only your age and gender will be published with your comment, although your other user details will be securely recorded for verification purposes.
Comments may be either questions or answers to previously posted questions. Any iGuard.org user may post questions and reply.
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Patient Comments about
Depakote