Divalproex Sodium

• Divalproex

A doctor may recommend divalproex for preventing migraines or treating epilepsy or mania. This eMedTV article describes divalproex in more detail, explains how the drug works, and lists potential side effects of the medication.

• Side Effects of Divalproex

Divalproex side effects may include drowsiness, weakness, and shakiness. This part of the eMedTV archives lists common side effects that have been reported with divalproex and also describes serious problems that may require medical attention.

• What Is Divalproex Used For?

Divalproex is used for treating epilepsy and mania, and preventing migraine headaches. This eMedTV Web page explains how the drug is used for these conditions, discusses divalproex uses in children, and lists some possible off-label divalproex uses.

• Divalproex Dosing

The recommended starting divalproex dose for treating manic depression is 750 mg total a day. This eMedTV resource also contains divalproex dosing recommendations for migraine prevention and the treatment of epileptic seizures.

• Drug Interactions With Divalproex

If you take warfarin or diazepam together with divalproex, drug interactions may potentially occur. This eMedTV segment lists other drugs that may cause drug interactions with divalproex and explains what may happen if you take them with divalproex.

• Precautions and Warnings With Divalproex

You should not take divalproex if you have liver disease or an urea cycle disorder. This article on the eMedTV Web site lists other people who should avoid taking the drug and provides other important divalproex precautions and warnings.