DIVALPROEXTRANSCRIPT (page 1 of 3)If you have bipolar disorder, seizures, or migraines, you may be prescribed Divalproex.You may also be familiar with its brand name, Depakote. Divalproex is a high alertmedication, which means if you do not take it exactly as prescribed it may causeillness or injury.To understand how Divalproex works, let’s look at how seizures are caused in yourbody.Your brain is constantly firing information and messages to the rest of your body,telling you what to think, what to feel and what to do. When you suffer from seizuresor bipolar disorder, your brain is firing messages that are out of control.Divalproex enhances a chemical in the brain called GABA, which helps calm down thesignals that are firing out of control. At the same time, it slows signals going down thespine to help reduce seizures.Divalproex comes in a tablet, extended release tablet or sprinkle capsule. Yourhealthcare provider will decide how much you need to take and how best to take it.Divalproex is a powerful medication. Some people should not take it. Do not takeDivalproex if you are allergic to the ingredients in it.Do not take Divalproex if you have liver disease.If you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding tell your healthcareprovider before taking Divalproex. A different medication may be safer for you andyour baby.If you are pregnant, do not take Divalproex for the prevention of migraine headaches.Before taking Divalproex, tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of:liver20% gradient meshdisease, a urea cycle disorder, genetic mitochondrial disorder or depression.Let all of your healthcare providers know you are taking Divalproex, includinghealthclipsyourdentist.healthclipsIn case of emergency, wear an alert bracelet and carry a wallet card to let allhealthcare providers know you are taking Divalproex.healthclipshealthclips(Continued on next page)4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10046_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient meshDIVALPROEXTRANSCRIPT (page 2 of 3)Before taking Divalproex, give your healthcare provider a complete list of all othermedications you use, including vitamins and herbal supplements.While taking this medication, you will require regular blood work. Make sure to keepall of your doctor’s appointments, including those for lab work.Some side effects of Divalproex include: nausea or vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhea,headache, dizziness, blurred vision, trouble with balance, drowsiness, troublesleeping, hair loss, muscle weakness, tremors, and weight gain.If you do notice any of these side effects contact your healthcare provider about howto manage them.Be aware that you are at an increased risk of falling while taking Divalproex. Get upfrom a sitting or lying position slowly.Do not drive or operate heavy machinery, including your car, until you know howDivalproex affects you.Be aware that drinking alcohol while taking Divalproex can increase certain sideeffects.You may sunburn more easily when taking Divalproex so make sure you wearsunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.If you have an allergic reaction like: trouble breathing, hives, or swelling of your faceor throat; call 911.If you have: loss of appetite, stomach pain, dark urine, ongoing nausea or vomiting,yellowing of the eyes and skin, severe pain in your upper stomach moving to yourback or changes in your mood or behavior; call your healthcare provider right20%away.gradient meshThis is not the complete list of side effects. Make sure you discuss all possible sideeffects with your healthcare provider.healthclipshealthclipsTake Divalproex exactly as prescribed. Do not change your dose or take it for longerthan prescribed.healthclipsWhen taking a Divalproex tablet, always swallow the tablet whole with plenty of water.healthclipsDo not cut, break, chew, crush or dissolve this medication.(Continued on next page)4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10046_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient meshDIVALPROEXTRANSCRIPT (page 3 of 3)If you are taking Divalproex sprinkle capsule and have trouble swallowing, open thecapsule and add the medication to apple sauce or other soft food and take it rightaway.Take your medication at the same time each day to avoid missing a dose. Try settingan alert on your phone or watch so you don’t forget. If you miss a dose, take yourDivalproex as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip your misseddose and return to your normal medication schedule.Do not double dose. If you think you have taken too much Divalproex, call 911. Anoverdose can lead to death.Store Divalproex away from moisture and direct sunlight. Your bathroom medicinecabinet is not the best place because of moisture. Do not leave your medication whereit could get too hot or too cold.Always store your medication out of sight and out of reach of children to preventaccidents.When you are done taking Divalproex tablets, crush all of your remaining pills and mixthem with undesirable trash like kitty litter or coffee grounds.Do not sell or give your Divalproex to anyone else. It is against the law and canseriously harm anyone else taking it. Contact your local police station for moreinformation on proper disposal directions.Divalproex can help you manage bipolar disorder, seizures and migraines. But it is apowerful medication that should only be taken exactly as prescribed. If you have anyquestions about Divalproex, ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist for moreinformation.20% gradient meshhealthclipshealthclipshealthclipshealthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10046_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient mesh
