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What is Depakote Er
Valproic acidThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryValproic acid, also known as valproate, is a type of fatty acid derivative and anti-seizure medication. It was first introduced in 1881 and used as an industrial and pharmaceutical solvent. In the 1960s, it was discovered to have anticonvulsant properties. Valproic acid was approved by the FDA in 1978 and is now used to treat seizures, mania, and migraines. In recent years, it has also been studied for its anti-cancer effects and is being tested in clinical trials for various types of cancer.
Depakeneis the brand name
Depakote Er Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Depakene
Valproic acid
1978
481
Effectiveness
How Depakote Er Affects PatientsValproate is used to treat complex partial seizures and migraine headaches, as well as bipolar mania. It is thought to work by increasing inhibition in the brain and protecting it from damage. However, this drug can also cause liver and birth defects. Research has shown that it may help with HIV treatment when taken with other medications, but further studies are needed. The FDA warns that HIV can become active again when taking this drug.
How Depakote Er works in the bodyValproate works in multiple ways to treat epilepsy, migraine headaches and bipolar disorder. It increases GABA activity in the brain, which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and suppresses sodium channels, which also helps reduce nerve firing. Valproate also affects the extracellular signal-related kinase pathway, resulting in increased expression of proteins and genes that can promote neuron growth and survival. It also reduces fatty acid metabolism, which can change membrane fluidity, and inhibits histone deacetylase, which can help relax DNA and increase gene expression. All of these effects work together to reduce nerve firing, promote neuron growth, and protect
When to interrupt dosage
The portion of Depakote Er is dependent on the diagnosed affliction, including Seizures, Seizure, Absence and Complex Partial Seizures. The dosage is contingent upon the technique of delivery (e.g. Injection, solution - Intravenous or Capsule, delayed release) outlined in the following table.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Migraine
, 250.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Tablet, delayed release particles, Tablet, delayed release particles - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Capsule, coated pellets, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Capsule, Delayed Release - Oral, Capsule, Delayed Release
Acute Coryza
, 250.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Tablet, delayed release particles, Tablet, delayed release particles - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Capsule, coated pellets, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Capsule, Delayed Release - Oral, Capsule, Delayed Release
Mental Depression
, 250.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Tablet, delayed release particles, Tablet, delayed release particles - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Capsule, coated pellets, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Capsule, Delayed Release - Oral, Capsule, Delayed Release
Behcet Syndrome
, 250.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Tablet, delayed release particles, Tablet, delayed release particles - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Capsule, coated pellets, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Capsule, Delayed Release - Oral, Capsule, Delayed Release
Seizure, Absence
, 250.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Tablet, delayed release particles, Tablet, delayed release particles - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Capsule, coated pellets, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Capsule, Delayed Release - Oral, Capsule, Delayed Release
Seizures
, 250.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Tablet, delayed release particles, Tablet, delayed release particles - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Capsule, coated pellets, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Capsule, Delayed Release - Oral, Capsule, Delayed Release
Complex Partial Seizures
, 250.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Tablet, delayed release particles, Tablet, delayed release particles - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Capsule, coated pellets, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Capsule, Delayed Release - Oral, Capsule, Delayed Release
Warnings
Depakote Er ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
POLG-related disorder
Do Not Combine
Significant hepatic impairment
Do Not Combine
Disease
Do Not Combine
Hepatic Disease
Do Not Combine
Enzymes
Do Not Combine
Common Depakote Er Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Abemaciclib
Major
The metabolism of Abemaciclib can be decreased when combined with Valproic acid.
Acalabrutinib
Major
The metabolism of Acalabrutinib can be decreased when combined with Valproic acid.
Alectinib
Major
The metabolism of Alectinib can be decreased when combined with Valproic acid.
Aminophylline
Major
The metabolism of Aminophylline can be decreased when combined with Valproic acid.
Amiodarone
Major
The metabolism of Amiodarone can be decreased when combined with Valproic acid.
Depakote Er Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe toxic dose of valproate in mice is 1098 mg/kg and in rats is 670 mg/kg. Overdosing on valproate can cause drowsiness, an abnormal heartbeat, deep unconsciousness, and high sodium levels in the blood. In severe cases, this can be fatal, but some patients have been known to survive with valproate levels as high as 2120 mcg/mL. Hemodialysis can be used to remove the unbound fraction of the drug from the blood. Pregnant women should be wary of taking valproate, as it has been linked to increased
Depakote Er Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Depakote Er?
At present, 65 active studies are investigating the potential of Depakote Er in providing relief from Migraine, Complex Partial Seizures and Acute Coryza.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Seizures
0 Actively Recruiting
Seizure, Absence
0 Actively Recruiting
Behcet Syndrome
2 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Mental Depression
3 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Acute Coryza
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Complex Partial Seizures
0 Actively Recruiting
Migraine
52 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
Depakote Er Reviews: What are patients saying about Depakote Er?
5Patient Review
3/21/2016 I've been seizure-free for over a decade thanks to this medication. I had tried several other treatments before this one, but none of them were effective. The only downside is that I gained some weight (10-15 pounds) when I started taking it.
5Patient Review
7/12/2017 Before taking this medication, I was getting headaches every day. Now, I don't get them at all! It does make me a bit drowsy during the day, but that's nothing compared to constant headaches.
5Patient Review
10/10/2018 I had been struggling with migraines for years before finding this medication. It's been a total game-changer for me and I'm so grateful.
5Patient Review
10/30/2014 My wife has been taking Depakote for 2 1/2 years. Three 500 mg. tablets nightly. The severe tremors that manifested in her left hand have all but disappeared.
5Patient Review
9/6/2016 Depakote is the only migraine preventative that has worked for me. I don't like the weight gain, but it's a small price to pay compared to having headaches every day.
4.3Patient Review
7/13/2014 I took this medication as part of a cocktail for my bipolar depression, which can last for years. I did see some benefits, like weight loss and increased organization, but I didn't feel like it was truly helping me so I moved on to Latuda.
4.3Patient Review
8/29/2014 Short-term memory loss and decreased energy levels are common side effects.
4Patient Review
3/24/2014 I don't recommend this medication. It's dangerous and the FDA should reconsider its place on the market.
4Patient Review
8/30/2014 This medication has effectively reduced the frequency of my seizures.
3.7Patient Review
7/16/2014 This drug has significantly decreased the frequency of my seizures and migraines, but I have experienced some negative side effects like weight gain and difficulty sleeping. Additionally, heat now makes me nauseous where it never did before.
3.7Patient Review
11/7/2017 I've had to deal with depression on and off for many years. This medication has really helped me, but I get a lot of unpleasant side effects from it like stomach problems, crossed eyes, severe hand tremor, weight gain, unsteadiness, etc. So it's a tough decision whether to take the drug or not because either way I'm not living my best life.
2.3Patient Review
6/3/2014 I didn't experience any side effects from this treatment, but I was also taking other drugs simultaneously.
2Patient Review
4/6/2020 While this treatment may work for some, it unfortunately caused more seizures that were also more frequent and severe. I also lost weight and experienced kidney stones as well as drastic changes in my sleep habits. This made me easily angered and often lashing out without any memory of what happened afterwards.
1Patient Review
10/1/2016 I would not recommend going off this medication cold turkey. I ended up in the emergency room as a result of coming off it too quickly. The doctor said it would be out of my system within 24 hours, but that was clearly not the case.
1Patient Review
3/23/2014Patient Q&A Section about depakote er
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What is Depakote ER used for?
"This medication is used to treat seizure disorders, to restore the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain, and to prevent migraine headaches."
Answered by AI
How does Depakote ER make you feel?
"Some people may experience negative side effects such as agitation, irritability, or abnormal behavior after taking divalproex sodium. Additionally, some people may have an increased risk for suicide or depression. If you experience any of these side effects, you should tell your doctor immediately."
Answered by AI
Does Depakote ER make you sleepy?
"B: Depakote may cause drowsiness, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, low platelet count, tremors, tiredness, and hair loss."
Answered by AI
What is the difference between Depakote DR and ER?
"Depakote is available as delayed-release tablets (DR) or DR sprinkle capsules. You will take Depakote more than once per day with these forms. Depakote ER is available as extended-release tablets that you will take once per day. You can take all forms of the drug with or without food."
Answered by AI