Depakote ER (Extended Release) is a prescription medication used to treat certain neurological and psychiatric conditions. It is a formulation of divalproex sodium that releases the active ingredient gradually over time, providing sustained therapeutic effects. This extended-release formulation is designed for once-daily dosing.
Product Highlights
Managing various types of seizures, including generalized tonic-clonic seizures, complex partial seizures, and absence seizures.
Stabilizing mood and managing manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder.
Used off-label to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
Key Ingredient
Divalproex
Key Benefits
Helps reduce both the frequency and severity of seizures in epilepsy.
Assists in controlling manic episodes and stabilizing mood in bipolar disorder.
Extended-release formulation allows for once-daily dosing, which can improve adherence.
Direction of Use
The dosage is individualized based on the condition being treated and patient-specific factors. Initial doses are usually around 500 mg to 1000 mg once daily, with adjustments made based on clinical response and blood levels.
Take Depakote ER orally with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole; do not crush or chew.
Dose Conversion:
Depakote
Depakote ER
Total Daily Dose (mg)
(mg)
500* - 625
750
750* - 875
1,000
1,000*-1,125
1,250
1,250-1,375
1,500
1,500-1,625
1,750
1,750
2,000
1,875-2,000
2,250
2,125-2,250
2,500
2,375
2,750
2,500-2,750
3,000
2,875
3,250
3,000-3,125
3,500
* These total daily doses of Depakote cannot be directly converted to an 8 to 20% higher total daily dose of Depakote ER because the required dosing strengths of Depakote ER are not available. Consideration may be given at the clinician's discretion to increase the patient's Depakote total daily dose to the next higher dosage before converting to the appropriate total daily dose of Depakote ER.
Safety Concerns
May include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, and tremors. Weight gain and gastrointestinal discomfort are also possible.
Risk of liver toxicity, pancreatitis, and teratogenic effects (potential to cause birth defects). Regular monitoring of liver function and blood levels is essential.
Routine blood tests are recommended to check liver function, divalproex blood levels, and complete blood counts.
Avoid Depakote ER (Divalproex ER) If
You have a known hypersensitivity to Divalproex Sodium or any of its components.
Avoid use if you have severe liver impairment or active liver disease due to the risk of liver toxicity.
Depakote ER is associated with a high risk of birth defects and should be avoided during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary and prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Avoid use if you have a history of pancreatitis or significant pancreatic issues.
