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Depakote XR 500 Tablet

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Product introduction

Depakote XR 500 Tablet is a medicine used to treat epilepsy. It helps prevent and control seizures (fits). It is also used in the prevention of migraines. Occasionally, it may also be used to treat bipolar disorder.

Depakote XR 500 Tablet is used to treat epileptic seizures and also for some mental behavioural disorders

Benefits of Depakote Tablet ER

In Treatment of Epilepsy/Seizures

Depakote XR 500 Tablet is an anticonvulsant (or anti-epileptic) medicine that works by decreasing the nerve impulses which cause the seizures. By controlling the frequency of seizures, it will help you go about your daily activities with more confidence. It helps reduce symptoms such as confusion, uncontrollable jerking movements, loss of awareness, and fear or anxiety.
This medicine is not associated with any physical or psychological dependence (addiction) but it should not be stopped suddenly. It must be taken regularly as prescribed to be effective. Missing doses may trigger a seizure.

In Treatment of Bipolar disorder

Depakote XR 500 Tablet works to restore the normal balance of nerve activity in your brain. It can help prevent extreme changes in mood and help you feel less agitated. You may experience fewer episodes of low mood. It can take several weeks for this medicine to work and you may still feel low during this time. It is likely that you will take this medicine for at least six months but possibly much longer. It needs to be taken regularly to work effectively. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor advises you to. You should continue to eat well and keep fit to reduce symptoms of bipolar disorder.

In Prevention of Migraine

It is not fully established how Depakote XR 500 Tablet helps prevent migraines. It may change the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain or increase the activity in a region of the brain associated with migraines. By preventing and reducing the frequency of headaches, it can help you carry out your daily activities and have a better quality of life.

Side effects of Depakote Tablet ER

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Depakote

  • Decreased body temperature
  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Tremors
  • Paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation)
  • Anemia (low number of red blood cells)
  • Decreased sodium level in blood
  • Liver injury
  • Gastrointestinal disturbance
  • Hypersensitivity
  • Deafness
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Increase in body weight
  • Pain during periods

How to use Depakote Tablet ER

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Depakote XR 500 Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Safety advice

Alcohol
UNSAFE
Depakote XR 500 Tablet may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Depakote XR 500 Tablet is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Depakote XR 500 Tablet is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
Driving
UNSAFE
Depakote XR 500 Tablet may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Depakote XR 500 Tablet is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Depakote XR 500 Tablet is recommended.
Liver
UNSAFE
Depakote XR 500 Tablet is probably unsafe to use in patients with liver disease and should be avoided. Please consult your doctor.

All substitutes

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
Depakote XR 500 Tablet
₹21.61/Tablet ER
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Quick tips

  • Take your medication regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures.
  • It can be taken with or without food, but better to take with food to avoid stoamch upset. 
  • Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present with you.
  • Some healthy tips to prevent seizures:
    • Practice yoga every day.
    • Get enough sleep at nighttime.
    • Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/laptop.
    • Take your medication on time.
  • It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
  • Monitor your weight during treatment with this medicine as it can cause weight gain.
  • Your doctor may get regular blood tests done to monitor how the medication is affecting your body. Inform your doctor if you notice yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, or stomach pain.
  • Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may increase the seizure frequency.

Fact Box

Chemical Class
Aliphatic Carboxylic acid Derivatives
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
NEURO CNS
Action Class
Sodium channel modulators (AED)

Patient concerns

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i m a suffering from bipolar disorder what should i do. also angryness. i am eating tablets like licab depakote qutan is it ok?
Dr. Jyoti Kapoor Madan
Psychiatry
Lithium, Divalproex sodium and Quitipine are mood stabilizers and are needed for treatment of Bipolar disorder.
sir i am having bipolar disorder taking medicines licab, depakote, qutan from 1 yr. but not geting full relief ? feeling restless and not able to learn and think new ideas. have done all tests with positive report
Dr. Jyoti Kapoor Madan
Psychiatry
Mood Disorders are characterized by disturbance in an individual?s mood which is significant and pervasive and effects his/her personal, social and or occupational life. A normal mood highlights the general personality of a person and his or her reaction to every day situation , however if a person has a mood disorder, their reactions are different and can be termed as an overreaction. The mood disorders are categorized into Depressive Disorders & Bipolar Disorders depending upon the quality of mood & fluctuations in its quality. The key feature of longitudinal course of mood disorder is a tendency towards cyclicity or recurrence.
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User feedback


FAQs

What happens if I stop taking Depakote XR 500 Tablet?

You should not stop taking Depakote XR 500 Tablet without consulting your doctor. The dose of Depakote XR 500 Tablet should be reduced gradually and eventually can be stopped under the supervision of a doctor or specialist. Suddenly stopping the medication may lead to recurrence of symptoms or irritability, anxiety, dizziness and tremors.

Is Depakote XR 500 Tablet a mood stabilizer?

Yes, Depakote XR 500 Tablet can sometimes be used as a mood stabilizer. It is given in patients who experience rapid changes in their mood. It works by calming the hyperactivity of the brain during mood changes.

Can Depakote XR 500 Tablet cause weight gain?

Yes, Depakote XR 500 Tablet may cause weight gain. The gain in weight could be due to an increase in hunger. Keep a check on your diet and exercise regularly to prevent any weight gain. If you are have concerns related to weight gain, consult your doctor.

Does Depakote XR 500 Tablet make you sleepy?

Yes, Depakote XR 500 Tablet may make you feel sleepy. Avoid driving or other work that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.

Does Depakote XR 500 Tablet cause hair loss?

Yes, Depakote XR 500 Tablet may cause hair loss. However, it is only for a short time and is usually dose related. Please consult your doctor if the hair loss bothers you or persists for a longer duration.

Can Depakote XR 500 Tablet damage my liver?

Yes, Depakote XR 500 Tablet can cause damage to the liver. The risk is more likely to occur during the first 6 months of starting the treatment with Depakote XR 500 Tablet. Symptoms of liver damage may include nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, dark coloured urine, facial swelling, yellowing of the skin or white of eyes. Therefore, it is important to have liver function tests done before starting the medicine and. Tests should be done periodically during the first 6 months of therapy, especially in those who are likely to be at risk and those with a prior history of liver disease.

Can I take alcohol while I am taking Depakote XR 500 Tablet?

Avoid alcohol consumption while you are on treatment with Depakote XR 500 Tablet. Taking alcohol with this medicine may make you feel more drowsy, light headed or dizzy.

What are the laboratory tests recommended prior to taking Depakote XR 500 Tablet?

The doctor may suggest blood tests before starting the treatment with Depakote XR 500 Tablet. The tests may include blood cell count, including platelet count, bleeding time and coagulation tests These tests are also advised to avoid any spontaneous bruising or bleeding. In addition to this, liver function tests are advised before therapy. It is recommended to periodically monitor liver function during the first 6 months of therapy, primarily in those who seem most at risk and those with a prior history of liver disease.

What should be done if I start experiencing abdominal pain, nausea and anorexia?

If you experience acute severe abdominal pain along with nausea and vomiting, it may be due to pancreatitis. Immediately consult your doctor in case you experience these symptoms. Your doctor may get your levels of serum amylase checked. In case the test shows positive results for pancreatitis, the medication should be stopped immediately.

How to check for overdose of Depakote XR 500 Tablet?

Overdose of Depakote XR 500 Tablet may cause headaches, blurred eyesight due to pupils of the eyes becoming smaller, lack of reflexes, confusion and tiredness. You may also experience weak or “floppy” muscles, fits (seizures), loss of consciousness, behavioral changes and breathing difficulties such as fast breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Immediate medical assistance is required in case of overdose.

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Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.

References

  1. Divalproex sodium. North Chicago: AbbVie Inc; 1983 [revised Feb. 2016]. [Accessed 22 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:External Link
  2. Divalproex sodium. North Chicago, IL: Abbott Laboratories; 2006. [Accessed 22 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:External Link
  3. Divalproex sodium [Medication Guide]. Halol, Gujarat: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.; 2022. [Accessed 20 June 2023]. (online) Available from:External Link
  4. Divalproex sodium [Prescribing Information]. Ghaziabad, UP: Unichem Laboratories Ltd.; 2023. [Accessed 20 June 2023]. (online) Available from:External Link
  5. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). [Accessed 22 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:External Link

Marketer details

Name: Sanofi India Ltd
Address: Sanofi House, CTS No.117-B, L&T Business Park, Saki Vihar Road, Powai, Mumbai 400072
Country of origin: India

MRP
324.12
Inclusive of all taxes
15.0 tablet er in 1 strip
SOLD OUT
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