DIVALOX ER 500

About

Divalproex Sodium Extended-Release (ER) is an antiepileptic drug primarily used in the treatment of various neurological and psychiatric conditions. It works by increasing the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps to calm excessive electrical activity. This mechanism makes it effective in controlling seizures in epilepsy, stabilizing mood in bipolar disorder, and preventing migraine headaches. The extended-release formulation allows for once-daily dosing, providing consistent therapeutic levels of the drug and potentially reducing side effects associated with peak plasma concentrations. Its broad spectrum of action makes it a versatile agent in managing complex neurological and mood disorders.

Uses

• Treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder.
• Management of complex partial seizures and simple/complex absence seizures.
• Prophylaxis of migraine headaches.
• Adjunctive therapy for other seizure types.

Directions For Use

Take whole, do not crush or chew, usually once daily with or without food. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Benefits

• Effectively stabilizes mood in bipolar disorder.
• Reduces frequency and severity of seizures.
• Prevents migraine headaches.
• Extended-release formulation allows once-daily dosing.
• Provides consistent drug levels, reducing fluctuations.
• Offers a broad spectrum of action for various conditions.

Side Effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Drowsiness
• Tremor
• Hair loss
• Weight gain
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
• Liver enzyme elevations

Safety Measures

• Alcohol - Avoid alcohol as it can increase the risk of central nervous system depression and may exacerbate liver toxicity.
• Pregnancy - Contraindicated in pregnancy for migraine prophylaxis due to high risk of neural tube defects and other developmental abnormalities. Use for epilepsy or bipolar disorder requires careful risk-benefit assessment.
• Breastfeeding - Consult your doctor. Valproate is excreted into breast milk; monitor the infant for sedation or feeding difficulties.
• Liver - Contraindicated in patients with significant hepatic dysfunction or urea cycle disorders due to risk of severe hepatotoxicity. Regular liver function monitoring is essential.
• Kidney - Use with caution in patients with renal impairment, although dose adjustment is not typically required, monitoring is advisable.
• Lung - Generally safe for use in patients with lung conditions, but caution is advised if there are other co-morbidities that might interact with CNS depressant effects.

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