INTRODUCTION

DEPAKOTE XR 500MG contains Divalproex sodium which belongs to a class of drugs called anti-epileptics. It is a stable coordination compound comprised of sodium valproate and valproic acid used to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, epilepsy, and migraine headaches. It is used to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder alone or with other medicines to treat complex partial seizures in adults and children above 10 years of age, simple and complex absence seizures and prevents migraine headaches.

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has directed you. Do not stop or change your dose of this medicine without talking to your doctor. Before using it, tell your doctor if you have or had heart problems, kidney or liver disease, difficulty urinating, depression, or suicidal thoughts. Many other medicines can interfere with it and some should not be taken together so tell your doctor all the medicines you are taking to make sure it is safe.

USES OF DEPAKOTE XR 500MG

• Complex partial seizures in adults and children above 10 years of age
• Simple and complex absence seizures, with or without other seizure types
• Prevent migraine headache

HOW DEPAKOTE XR 500MG WORKS

DEPAKOTE XR 500MG is an antiepileptic medication which controls seizures or fits by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has directed you. Do not stop or change your dose of this medicine without talking to your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it.

SIDE EFFECTS OF DEPAKOTE XR 500MG

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Feeling sick (nausea) or indigestion:

Stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy foods.

Drowsiness or dizziness:

Get up and move around to feel awake, take small naps to edge off the sleepiness. Give your eyes a break to avoid fatigue and eat a healthy food to boost energy.

Diarrhoea:

Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. ORS should be used to prevent dehydration.

Abdominal pain:

Place a warm bottle or heated bag on your abdomen. Soak in a warm bath. Drink plenty of clear fluids and water.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

Talk to your doctor, if you are taking,

• Anti-psychotic drugs
• Tolbutamide
• Warfarin (used to treat blood clot)
• Zidovudine
• Oral contraceptives

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

Store below 20-25°C and keep out of reach of children.

FAQs ABOUT DEPAKOTE XR 500MG

Does DEPAKOTE XR 500MG make you sleepy?

Yes. It may make you feel sleepy. Avoid driving or other work that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.

Is DEPAKOTE XR 500MG a mood stabilizer?

Yes, it can sometimes be used as a mood stabilizer. It is given in patients who experience rapid changes in their mood. It works by calming the hyperactivity of the brain during mood changes.

What happens if I stop taking DEPAKOTE XR 500MG?

Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your physician. Suddenly stopping the medication may lead to recurrence of symptoms or irritability, anxiety, dizziness and tremors.

REFERENCES

1. KD Tripathi MD. Drugs acting on central nervous system. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology 7th ed. New Delhi, May 2013. Page – 418.

2. Jonathan M Meyer. Pharmacotherapy of psychosis and Mania. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. Page – 447.

3. Steven C Stoner and Megan M Dahmen. Extended-release divalproex in bipolar and other psychiatric disorders: A comprehensive review: Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment. Dec 2007; [Accessed on Oct 3, 2020] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2656326/

4. Abbott Laboratories, 1983, U.S. Food & Drug Administration; [Revised on Oct 2011] [Accessed Oct 3, 2020] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/018723s037lbl.pdf