Brand & Generic Names

Depakote

Epival

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Anticonvulsant

Uses

Controls petit mal (absence) seizures in treatment of epilepsy.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet--Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach irritation.

When to take:
Once a day.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember. Don't ever double dose.

What drug does:
Increases concentration of gamma aminobutyric acid, which inhibits nerve transmission in parts of brain.

Time lapse before drug works:
1 to 4 hours.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Coma.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• If patient is unconscious and not breathing, give mouth-to- mouth breathing. If there is no heartbeat, use cardiac massage and mouth-to-mouth breathing (CPR). Don't try to make patient vomit. If you can't get help quickly, take patient to nearest emergency facility.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

In case of overdose, see Overdose section.

Common:

Menstrual irregularities, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, tremor, weight gain.

Infrequent:

• Rash, bloody spots under skin, hair loss, bleeding, easy bruising.
• Drowsiness, weakness, easily upset emotionally, depression, psychic changes, headache, incoordination, appetite change, constipation.

Rare:

• Double vision, unusual movements of eyes (nystagmus), jaundice, increased bleeding tendency, edema (swelling of feet and legs).
• Anemia (paleness, fatigue).

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You are allergic to divalproex.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have blood, kidney or liver disease.
• If you will have surgery within 2 months, including dental surgery, requiring general or spinal anesthesia.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons.

Pregnancy:
Risk to unborn child outweighs drug benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Unknown effect. Consult doctor.

Infants & children:
Use under close medical supervision only.

Prolonged use:
Request periodic blood tests, liver and kidney function tests.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes, such as antihistamines, tranquilizers, sedatives, pain medicine, narcotics and mind-altering drugs.

Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without consulting doctor. Dose may require gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a long time. Doses of other drugs may also require adjustment.

Others:
No problems expected.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Anticoagulants*	Increases chance of bleeding.
Aspirin	Increases chance of bleeding.
Central nervous	Increases sedative effect.
Clonazepam	May prolong seizure.
Dipyridamole	Increases chance of bleeding.
MAO inhibitors*	Increases sedative effect.
Nabilone	Greater depression of central
	nervous system.
Phenobarbital	Increases chance of toxicity.
Phenytoin	Unpredictable. May require
	increased or decreased dosage.
Primidone	Increases chance of toxicity.
Sertraline	Increased depressive effect of
	both drugs.
Sulfinpyrazone	Increases chance of bleeding.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Deep sedation. Avoid.
Beverages:	No problems expected.
Cocaine:	Increased brain sensitivity. Avoid.
Foods:	No problems expected.
Marijuana:	Increased brain sensitivity. Avoid.
Tobacco:	Increased brain sensitivity. Avoid.