who can prescribe depakote

Precautions

This medicine is sometimes used together with other seizure medications. Depakote tablets and capsules are used to treat seizures in people with epilepsy who are at least 10 years old. The tablets are sometimes used together with other seizure medications.

Can Depakote be taken with other medications?

This medicine is sometimes used together with other seizure medications. Depakote is also used to treat manic episodes related to bipolar disorder (manic depression), and to prevent migraine headaches. Depakote may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the uses of Depakote?

After the patient is stabilized on Depakote tablets, a dosing schedule of two or three times a day may be elected in selected patients. Depakote is indicated for prophylaxis of migraine headaches in adults. Depakote tablets are administered orally. The recommended starting dose is 250 mg twice daily.

How often should Depakote be taken for migraines?

When Depakote is used in this patient group, it should be used with extreme caution and as a sole agent. The benefits of therapy should be weighed against the risks. The incidence of fatal hepatotoxicity decreases considerably in progressively older patient groups.

Is Depakote safe for older adults?

Can a doctor prescribe Depakote?

Yes, your doctor can prescribe Depakote ER in a dose of 1,500 mg. However, keep in mind that your dose of Depakote or Depakote ER will depend on certain factors, such as your body weight. For example, the starting dose of Depakote ER for manic episodes of bipolar disorder is 25 mg per kilogram* of body weight (mg/kg).

Can a psychiatrist prescribe Depakote?

Some commonly-prescribed mood stabilizers psychiatrist medications include: Lithobid (Lithium) Depakote (Sodium Valproate)

What patients should not use Depakote?

Who should not take Depakote?high amount of ammonium in the blood.low amount of albumin proteins in the blood.hereditary liver metabolism disorder.decreased blood platelets.suicidal thoughts.depression.organic mental disorder.liver problems.More items...

When is Depakote prescribed?

The medication Depakote (divalproex sodium) is an anticonvulsant. Doctors prescribe it to treat seizure disorders and to prevent migraine headaches. People also use it to manage the manic phase of bipolar disorder.

Is Depakote a mood stabilizer or antipsychotic?

Valproate is a mood stabilizer medication that works in the brain. It is approved for the treatment of mania associated with bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression), seizures (epilepsy), and migraine headaches. Bipolar disorder involves episodes of depression and/or mania.

Does Depakote help anxiety?

Valproic Acid (Depakote) Valproic acid is an epilepsy medication that is now used for the treatment of panic attacks as well as other psychiatric problems.

Can Depakote change your personality?

Divalproex sodium may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. If you notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor right away.

Does Depakote help with depression?

Doctors prescribe Depakote (divalproex sodium) for various uses, including to treat certain mental health conditions. While Depakote isn't approved to treat major depressive disorder, doctors may recommend it for depression and mania associated with bipolar disorder.

Does Depakote cause behavior problems?

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including Depakote, increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, and/or any unusual changes in mood or behavior.

What does Depakote do for bipolar?

Anticonvulsants are used to treat seizures and sometimes are taken to treat the manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Depakote is sometimes prescribed when patients experience rapid cycling of mood episodes and works by calming the hyperactivity of the brain during mania.

What does Depakote help with?

Depakote is one of the first generation of a class of medications called antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Depakote is used to treat complex partial seizures, simple and complex absence seizures, as well as acute manic symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder. Tablets and capsule shown are not actual size.

What happens if you stop taking Depakote for bipolar?

A: Do not stop taking Depakote without first talking to your doctor. Stopping Depakote suddenly can cause serious problems, including seizures that do not stop (also known as “status epilepticus”). Please see Full Prescribing Information with Medication Guide for the complete list of side effects.

Can a psychiatrist issue prescriptions?

Psychiatrist – A medical doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional illnesses. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication, but they often do not counsel patients.

Can a psychiatrist prescribe non psych meds?

Like physicians in other specialties, psychiatrists are not limited to prescribing only a subset of medications commonly associated with their specialty. But for many psychiatrists, prescribing nonpsychotropic medications is complicated by individual and local factors.

Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication?

Because they are doctors, psychiatrists understand the links between mental and physical problems. They can also prescribe medications.

Is Depakote a psychotropic medication?

Depakote and Abilify belong to different drug classes. Depakote is an anticonvulsant and Abilify is a psychotropic drug (antipsychotic). Side effects of Depakote and Abilify that are similar include drowsiness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, constipation, weight changes, or vision changes/blurred vision.

Before Taking This Medicine

You should not use Depakote if you are allergic to divalproex sodium, or if you have: 1. liver disease; 2. a urea cycle disorder; or 3. a genetic m...

How Should I Take Depakote?

Take Depakote exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction...

What Happens If I Miss A Dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What Should I Avoid While Taking Depakote?

Drinking alcohol may increase certain side effects of Depakote.See also: Depakote and alcohol (in more detail)Avoid driving or hazardous activity u...

What Other Drugs Will Affect Depakote?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may in...

How long does it take for depakote to work?

The time it takes for Depakote to reach its peak effects depends on the formulation used. Tablets take 4 hours to reach a peak, Depakote sprinkles take just over three. Food can delay the absorption of Depakote (food has a more significant effect on the tablets compared with the sprinkles).

What is the purpose of depakote?

Depakote is a brand (trade) name for divalproex sodium. Depakote may be used to treat certain types of seizure disorder, to reduce mania in people with bipolar disorder, and as a preventive treatment for migraines.

What medications interact with Depakote?

Common medications that may interact with Depakote include: antibiotics such as clarithromycin, doxycycline, erythromycin. anticonvulsants such as lamotrigine, phenytoin, and phenobarbitone. antidepressants, such as desipramine, doxepin, isocarboxazid, nefazodone, phenelzine or venlafaxine. antihistamines, such as azelastine, cetirizine, ...

What are the factors that affect the dosage of Depakote?

The dosage of Depakote depends on several patient factors including age, the medical condition for which Depakote is prescribed, sensitivity to side effects, the presence of dehydration, and nutritional status.

What are some antihistamines?

antihistamines, such as azelastine, cetirizine, or levocetirizine. antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole, clozapine, haloperidol, or quetiapine. aspirin. carbapenem antibiotics, such as ertapenem, imipenem, or meropenem. clonidine. dextromethorphan. felbamate. folic acid. HIV medications such as indinavir and ritonavir.

Can Depakote be used for migraines?

Depakote may be used in the treatment of epilepsy, mania, and to prevent migraines; however, people taking Depakote should be monitored for potentially fatal side effects such as liver failure and pancreatitis and it should not be used in women of childbearing age unless benefits outweigh risks and reliable contraception is used.

Can you take Depakote while pregnant?

Depakote is not recommended for migraine prophylaxis in pregnant women. If you are using Depakote to treat epilepsy of manic episodes use effective birth control and speak to your doctor before choosing to become pregnant. Depakote can cause birth defects in unborn children.

Why should valproate be reduced?from drugs.com

Due to a decrease in unbound clearance of valproate and possibly a greater sensitivity to somnolence in the elderly , the starting dose should be reduced in these patients. Dosage should be increased more slowly and with regular monitoring for fluid and nutritional intake, dehydration, somnolence, and other adverse reactions. Dose reductions or discontinuation of valproate should be considered in patients with decreased food or fluid intake and in patients with excessive somnolence. The ultimate therapeutic dose should be achieved on the basis of both tolerability and clinical response [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.14), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.5), and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3)].

What is the maximum valproate concentration for thrombocytopenia?from drugs.com

The probability of thrombocytopenia increases significantly at total trough valproate plasma concentrations above 110 mcg/mL in females and 135 mcg/mL in males. The benefit of improved seizure control with higher doses should be weighed against the possibility of a greater incidence of adverse reactions.

How often can you reduce AED?from drugs.com

Concomitant antiepilepsy drug (AED) dosage can ordinarily be reduced by approximately 25% every 2 weeks. This reduction may be started at initiation of Depakote ER therapy, or delayed by 1 to 2 weeks if there is a concern that seizures are likely to occur with a reduction.

Why should antiepilepsy drugs not be discontinued?from drugs.com

Antiepilepsy drugs should not be abruptly discontinued in patients in whom the drug is administered to prevent major seizures because of the strong possibility of precipitating status epilepticus with attendant hypoxia and threat to life.

Can you start valproate before rufinamide?from drugs.com

Patients stabilized on rufinamide before being prescribed valproate should begin valproate therapy at a low dose, and titrate to a clinically effective dose [see Drug Interactions ( 7.2)].

Can you take Valproate in elderly?from drugs.com

Due to a decrease in unbound clearance of valproate and possibly a greater sensitivity to somnolence in the elderly, the starting dose should be reduced in these patients. Starting doses in the elderly lower than 250 mg can only be achieved by the use of Depakote. Dosage should be increased more slowly and with regular monitoring for fluid and nutritional intake, dehydration, somnolence, and other adverse reactions. Dose reductions or discontinuation of valproate should be considered in patients with decreased food or fluid intake and in patients with excessive somnolence. The ultimate therapeutic dose should be achieved on the basis of both tolerability and clinical response [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.14), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.5), and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3)].

Does Depakote affect phenytoin?from drugs.com

As the Depakote dosage is titrated upward, blood concentrations of phenobarbital and/or phenytoin may be affected [see Drug Interactions ( 7.2)].

What is the drug divalproex sodium?

1.1 Mania. Depakote (divalproex sodium) is a valproate and is indicated for the treatment of the manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. A manic episode is a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood.

Why should valproate be reduced?

Due to a decrease in unbound clearance of valproate and possibly a greater sensitivity to somnolence in the elderly , the starting dose should be reduced in these patients. Dosage should be increased more slowly and with regular monitoring for fluid and nutritional intake, dehydration, somnolence, and other adverse reactions. Dose reductions or discontinuation of valproate should be considered in patients with decreased food or fluid intake and in patients with excessive somnolence. The ultimate therapeutic dose should be achieved on the basis of both tolerability and clinical response [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.14), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.5), and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3)].

How does Valproate affect pregnancy?

Inform pregnant women and women of childbearing potential (including girls beginning the onset of puberty) that use of valproate during pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects, decreased IQ, and neurodevelopmental disorders in children who were exposed in utero. Advise women to use effective contraception while taking valproate. When appropriate, counsel these patients about alternative therapeutic options. This is particularly important when valproate use is considered for a condition not usually associated with permanent injury or death such as prophylaxis of migraine headache [see Contraindications ( 4)]. Advise patients to read the Medication Guide, which appears as the last section of the labeling [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2, 5.3, 5.4) and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1)].

How is valproate metabolized?

Valproate is metabolized almost entirely by the liver. In adult patients on monotherapy, 30-50% of an administered dose appears in urine as a glucuronide conjugate. Mitochondrial β-oxidation is the other major metabolic pathway, typically accounting for over 40% of the dose. Usually, less than 15-20% of the dose is eliminated by other oxidative mechanisms. Less than 3% of an administered dose is excreted unchanged in urine.

Does valproate affect IQ?

Valproate can cause decreased IQ scores following in utero exposure. Published epidemiological studies have indicated that children exposed to valproate in utero have lower cognitive test scores than children exposed in utero to either another antiepileptic drug or to no antiepileptic drugs. The largest of these studies 1 is a prospective cohort study conducted in the United States and United Kingdom that found that children with prenatal exposure to valproate (n=62) had lower IQ scores at age 6 (97 [95% C.I. 94-101]) than children with prenatal exposure to the other antiepileptic drug monotherapy treatments evaluated: lamotrigine (108 [95% C.I. 105–110]), carbamazepine (105 [95% C.I. 102–108]), and phenytoin (108 [95% C.I. 104–112]). It is not known when during pregnancy cognitive effects in valproate-exposed children occur. Because the women in this study were exposed to antiepileptic drugs throughout pregnancy, whether the risk for decreased IQ was related to a particular time period during pregnancy could not be assessed.

Can you start valproate before rufinamide?

Patients stabilized on rufinamide before being prescribed valproate should begin valproate therapy at a low dose, and titrate to a clinically effective dose [see Drug Interactions ( 7.2 )].

Is Depakote a monotherapy?

Depakote tablets are administered orally. Depakote is indicated as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy in complex partial seizures in adults and pediatric patients down to the age of 10 years, and in simple and complex absence seizures. As the Depakote dosage is titrated upward, concentrations of clonazepam, diazepam, ethosuximide, lamotrigine, tolbutamide, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and/or phenytoin may be affected [see Drug Interactions ( 7.2)].

Are Depakote or Depakote ER taken for anxiety or depression? If so, what are the drugs’ dosages?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved the use of Depakote or Depakote ER for anxiety or depression. However, doctors may prescribe these drugs off-label for these conditions. Off-label use is prescribing a medication for a different purpose than what it’s approved for by the FDA.

Are Depakote or Depakote ER prescribed in a dose of 1,500 milligrams (mg)?

Yes, your doctor can prescribe Depakote ER in a dose of 1,500 mg. However, keep in mind that your dose of Depakote or Depakote ER will depend on certain factors, such as your body weight.

Are Depakote or Depakote ER available as a liquid? Can either drug be given by IV?

No, Depakote and Depakote ER aren’t given by IV injection. They don’t come in liquid form. The drugs come as tablets or sprinkle capsules.

What is the medication for migraine headaches?

Depakote®, also known as divalproex sodium, is a prescription medication approved by the FDA to treat various types of seizure disorders, such as epilepsy, as well as migraine headaches, bipolar disorder and manic depression.

What is Depakote used for?

Epilepsy: Depakote® is used to treat epilepsy, a neurological disorder marked by unprovoked, recurring seizures. A result of abnormal activity in the brain, people who suffer from this disorder are susceptible to sudden recurrent episodes of convulsions, loss of consciousness, and sensory disturbances. Depakote® is an anticonvulsant that helps block voltage sensitive sodium channels in the brain to help block the brain signals that lead to seizures. More than two million Americans have some form of epilepsy, with about 125,000 new cases reported each year.

Does Depakote help with manic depression?

Bipolar Disorder: Commonly known as manic-depressive illness, bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Depakote® has been proven effective in the treatment of manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression. It acts as a mood stabilizer during these manic episodes during which a person often experiences several symptoms at a time such as racing thoughts, a high or irritable mood, rapid talking, low attention span, and a decreased need for sleep. Depakote® restores the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain to help stabilize symptoms of this mental illness.

Does Depakote help with epilepsy?

Depakote® ultimately helps suppress the spread of abnormal electrical discharges, which can help treat symptoms of disorders like epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and migraine headaches.

Is Depakote the same as Valporic Acid?

Although Depakote®, or valporic acid, is available in different names, strengths and formulations, all provide the same active medicine. Serious side effects related to Depakote® include liver and pancreas damage, birth defects, and suicidal thoughts. To learn more about the complications associated with this medication, visit our Complications page.

How to store depakote?

A: As with all medications, Depakote should be kept in a safe place, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Depakote should be stored at room temperature. Depakote should not be stored above 86° F. Do not keep it in the refrigerator. The pharmacy bottle or pillbox should be protected from light or moisture. Do not store it in a damp place like a bathroom medicine cabinet. Please see Full Prescribing Information with Medication Guide for the complete list of side effects.

What are the most common birth defects with Depakote?

The most common birth defects with Depakote affect the brain and spinal cord and are called spina bifida or neural tube defects. These defects occur in 1 to 2 out of every 100 babies born to mothers who use this medicine during pregnancy.

What is a depakote?

DEPAKOTE ® (divalproex sodium) delayed-release tablets, for oral use, and DEPAKOTE ® ER (divalproex sodium) extended-release tablets, for oral use, are prescription medications used: to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. complex partial seizures in adults and children 10 years of age and older.

What are the side effects of Depakote?

Q: What are the most common side effects experienced with Depakote? A: Common side effects experienced with Depakote include drowsiness, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, low platelet count, tremors, tiredness, and hair loss. The side effects may be mild to moderate, but they may also be signs of a more serious condition.

What to do if you forget to take your daily dose of meds?

A: If you forget to take your daily dose of medicine at the scheduled time, go ahead and take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for you to take your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose. If you have any questions, please call your doctor. Please see Full Prescribing Information with Medication Guide for the complete list of side effects.

How old are people with complex partial seizures?

complex partial seizures in adults and children 10 years of age and older

What does it mean to be aggressive?

Acting aggressive, being angry, or violent. Acting on dangerous impulses. An extreme increase in activity and talking (mania) Other unusual changes in behavior or mood. Overall, pay attention to any symptom changes, especially sudden changes in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings.

Why should valproate be reduced?

Due to a decrease in unbound clearance of valproate and possibly a greater sensitivity to somnolence in the elderly , the starting dose should be reduced in these patients. Dosage should be increased more slowly and with regular monitoring for fluid and nutritional intake, dehydration, somnolence, and other adverse reactions. Dose reductions or discontinuation of valproate should be considered in patients with decreased food or fluid intake and in patients with excessive somnolence. The ultimate therapeutic dose should be achieved on the basis of both tolerability and clinical response [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.14), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.5), and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3)].

What is the maximum valproate concentration for thrombocytopenia?

The probability of thrombocytopenia increases significantly at total trough valproate plasma concentrations above 110 mcg/mL in females and 135 mcg/mL in males. The benefit of improved seizure control with higher doses should be weighed against the possibility of a greater incidence of adverse reactions.

How often can you reduce AED?

Concomitant antiepilepsy drug (AED) dosage can ordinarily be reduced by approximately 25% every 2 weeks. This reduction may be started at initiation of Depakote therapy, or delayed by 1 to 2 weeks if there is a concern that seizures are likely to occur with a reduction.

Why should antiepilepsy drugs not be discontinued?

Antiepilepsy drugs should not be abruptly discontinued in patients in whom the drug is administered to prevent major seizures because of the strong possibility of precipitating status epilepticus with attendant hypoxia and threat to life.

Can you take valproate with carbamazepine?

In a study of adjunctive therapy for complex partial seizures in which patients were receiving either carbamazepine or phenytoin in addition to valproate, no adjustment of carbamazepine or phenytoin dosage was needed [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2)]. However, since valproate may interact with these or other concurrently administered AEDs as well as other drugs, periodic plasma concentration determinations of concomitant AEDs are recommended during the early course of therapy [see Drug Interactions ( 7)].

Is Depakote a monotherapy?

Depakote is indicated as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy in complex partial seizures in adults and pediatric patients down to the age of 10 years, and in simple and complex absence seizures. As the Depakote dosage is titrated upward, concentrations of clonazepam, diazepam, ethosuximide, lamotrigine, tolbutamide, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, ...

How old do you have to be to get a sex license?

For adults and children 10 years of age or older.

Can Depakote and Depakote ER cause sexual side effects in men and women?

It’s possible. Studies have found that valproic acid can affect sex hormones and cause certain sexual side effects. The active drug* in Depakote and Depakote ER, divalproex sodium, is a form of valproic acid.

Does the risk of side effects increase with higher doses of Depakote or Depakote ER (125 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg)?

So it’s not known whether the risk of most side effects increases with higher doses.

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• 1.1 Mania
  Depakote (divalproex sodium) is a valproate and is indicated for the treatment of the manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. A manic episode is a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood. Typical symptoms of mania include pressure …
• 1.2 Epilepsy
  Depakote is indicated as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy in the treatment of patients with complex partial seizures that occur either in isolation or in association with other types of seizures. Depakote is also indicated for use as sole and adjunctive therapy in the treatment of si…

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