Buy Depakote Online | Prescription Mood Stabilizer
Depakote: Comprehensive Information
Depakote, with the active ingredient divalproex sodium, is a widely prescribed medication primarily used to treat seizure disorders, bipolar disorder, and migraine headaches. It is available in various forms, including delayed-release and extended-release tablets. Divalproex sodium is a combination of sodium valproate and valproic acid, which work together to stabilize mood and prevent seizures.
Composition and Forms
- Active Ingredient: Divalproex sodium
- Forms: Delayed-release tablets (Depakote DR), Extended-release tablets (Depakote ER), Sprinkle capsules (Depakote Sprinkle).
Indications
Depakote is indicated for the treatment of:
- Epilepsy: Used as an anticonvulsant to control partial seizures, generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and complex partial seizures in adults and children 10 years of age and older.
- Bipolar Disorder: For the manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adults and children 10 years of age and older. It can also be used for maintenance treatment to prevent further manic or mixed episodes.
- Migraine Prophylaxis: To prevent migraine headaches in adults.
Mechanism of Action
The exact mechanism by which Depakote exerts its therapeutic effects is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve several actions:
- GABA Enhancement: It may increase the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter, in the brain, which can help reduce neuronal excitability and prevent seizures.
- Sodium Channel Blocking: It may block voltage-gated sodium channels, which can stabilize the electrical activity of neurons.
- Other Mechanisms: It might also affect other neurotransmitter systems and ion channels contributing to its mood-stabilizing and anticonvulsant properties.
Safety Profile
Benefits: Depakote is effective in managing complex neurological and psychiatric conditions, offering relief from seizures, mood swings, and debilitating migraines.
Potential Side Effects: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, indigestion, tremor, drowsiness, dizziness, weight gain, and hair loss. More serioUs side effects can include liver damage (hepatotoxicity), pancreatitis, suicidal thoughts, bleeding problems, and birth defects if taken during pregnancy.
Contraindications: Depakote should not be used in patients with certain liver conditions, urea cycle disorders, or hypersensitivity to divalproex sodium or valproic acid. It is also contraindicated in pregnant women for migraine prophylaxis and should be used with extreme caution in women of childbearing potential.
Warnings: Black box warnings highlight the risk of serious liver damage, birth defects (neural tube defects), and pancreatitis. Regular monitoring of liver function, blood counts, and ammonia levels may be necessary. Patients should be advised against discontinuing the medication abruptly.
Dosage Table
| Indication | Dosage Form | Recommended Dosage | Treatment Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epilepsy | Delayed-release tablets | 10-15 mg/kg/day, increasing by 5-10 mg/kg/day weekly until therapeutic levels are achieved (max 60 mg/kg/day) | Continuous treatment, duration determined by physician |
| Bipolar Mania | Extended-release tablets | Starting dose 25 mg/kg/day, adjusted as needed (max 60 mg/kg/day) | Acute treatment duration varies; maintenance therapy as prescribed |
| Migraine Prophylaxis | Delayed-release tablets | Starting dose 500 mg/day, increased to 1000 mg/day (max 2000 mg/day) | Long-term, continuous therapy |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between Depakote and Depakote ER?
Depakote ER (Extended Release) is designed to release the medication slowly over a longer period, potentially leading to fewer side effects and a more stable blood concentration compared to the standard delayed-release (DR) formulation.
- Fan Depakote be taken with food?
Yes, taking Depakote with food or mil can help minimize gastrointestinal upset like nausea or indigestion.
- What should I do if I miss a dose of Depakote?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
- Is Depakote addictive?
Depakote is not considered addictive in the same way as opioids or benzodiazepines. However, abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms or a return of the condition being treated.
