What is Epival/Divalproex used for?

This medicine is for the treatment of manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder; as a sole therapy and with other medicines in the treatment of patients with certain types of seizures; for the prevention of migraine headaches.

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Epival/Divalproex be stored?

Store below 86 degrees F. Keep in container tightly closed and protect from light.

General drug information:

When should Epival/Divalproex not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient of this medicine you have liver disease or significant liver function problems you are pregnant

What precautions should I follow when taking Epival/Divalproex?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine if you have any other medical conditions

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Epival/Divalproex?

Liver failure resulting in death has occurred in patients receiving this medicine. Children under the age of two years are at a high risk of developing fatal liver damage, especially those on multiple anticonvulsants, those born with metabolic disorders accompanied by mental retardation and those with organic brain disease. Outside this age group, experience in epilepsy has indicated that the risk of fatal liver damage decreases considerably in progressively older patients. These incidents have usually occurred during the first six months of treatment. Serious or fatal liver damage may be preceded by general body discomfort, weakness, lethargy, swelling of the face, loss of appetite, and vomiting. In patients with epilepsy, a loss of seizure control may also occur. This medicine can produce birth effects such as neural tube defects (eg, spina bifida).

What are the side effects of Epival/Divalproex?

Most severe:  Hearing loss.

Most common:  Headache; weakness; nausea; stomach pain; diarrhea; loss of appetite; indigestion; constipation; drowsiness; tremor; dizziness; blurred vision; rapid eye movement; memory loss; hair loss; weight loss; unusual bruising; weight gain; swelling of the hands and feet; nervousness; depression; sore throat; ringing in the ears.

Other:  Sleepiness; vomiting; rash; increased appetite; back pain; difficulty sleeping; difficulty breathing.

How should I take Epival/Divalproex?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount andperor frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed to get the most benefits and reduce the risk of side effects. If stomach upset occurs, take with food. Do not stop using this medicine suddenly, especially in patients whom this medicine is given to prevent major seizures because of the strong possibility of their return, which can be deadly. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity. Do not use alcohol while taking this medicine. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your doctor. If you have taken more than the prescribed dose, contact your hospital emergency room or Poison Control Center at once. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist. Diabetic Patients: Medication may interfere with urine tests for ketones.