Is divalproex the same as Depakote?
Depakote is the brand name for divalproex sodium. This medication is available as a delayed-release (DR) tablet, an extended-release (ER) tablet, and a DR “sprinkle” capsule. The sprinkle capsule gets its name from the fact that you can open the capsule and sprinkle it onto soft food.
What are side effects of divalproex?
Diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, hair loss, blurred/double vision, change in menstrual periods, ringing in the ears, shakiness (tremor), unsteadiness, weight changes may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Is divalproex a antipsychotic?
Divalproex may be used to treat mental health conditions, but it’s not an antipsychotic drug. Antipsychotics are a class of drugs that are mainly prescribed to treat certain mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Does divalproex make you sleepy?
Divalproex sodium oral tablet can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Don’t drive a vehicle, use machinery, or do other activities that require alertness until you know how this drug affects you. This drug can also cause other side effects.
What is divalproex used for in mental health?
Depakote is a medication known as an anticonvulsant that is used to treat the manic symptoms of bipolar disorder. It is also used to treat seizures and prevent migraine headaches.
Can divalproex cause weight gain?
Mood stabilizers used to treat bipolar disorder include lithium (Lithobid), valproic acid (Depakene), divalproex sodium (Depakote), carbamazepine (Tegretol, Equetro, others) and lamotrigine (Lamictal). All of these medications are known to increase the risk of weight gain except lamotrigine.
Can divalproex be used for depression?
Conclusions: These pilot results indicate that divalproex is effective in reducing the symptoms of depression and anxiety in bipolar I, depressed phase. These positive results support the need to perform a larger, multisite study of divalproex treatment for bipolar depression.
Does divalproex cause memory loss?
Divalproex treatment was associated with accelerated brain volume loss over 1 year and perhaps with greater cognitive impairment. The long-term clinical effects of these changes are not known.
Does divalproex cause weight gain?
What is the lifespan of Alzheimer patients?
On average, a person with Alzheimer’s lives four to eight years after diagnosis, but can live as long as 20 years, depending on other factors. Changes in the brain related to Alzheimer’s begin years before any signs of the disease.