What is the difference between Depakote and Depakote ER?

What is the difference between Depakote and Depakote ER?

The “ER” in Depakote ER stands for Extended Release. Available in two strengths, Depakote ER contains the same active ingredient as Depakote Delayed-Release Tablets but it is designed to slowly deliver the medication over a 24-hour period. This means that Depakote ER only has to be taken once a day.

Is 500 mg of Depakote a lot?

Migraine. Depakote ER is indicated for prophylaxis of migraine headaches in adults. The recommended starting dose is 500 mg once daily for 1 week, thereafter increasing to 1000 mg once daily.

What is Depakote 500 mg used for?

This medication is used to treat seizure disorders, mental/mood conditions (such as manic phase of bipolar disorder), and to prevent migraine headaches. It works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

Is 2000 mg of Depakote too much?

The daily dose should be adapted to the clinical response to establish the lowest effective dose for the individual patient. The mean daily dose usually ranges between 1000 – 2000 mg valproate. Patients receiving daily doses higher than 45 mg/kg/day body weight should be carefully monitored.

What are the long term side effects of Depakote?

What are the potential long-term effects of taking Depakote? Depakote can cause liver damage, and the risk is more likely to occur during the first 6 months of taking the medication.

What are the most common side effects of Depakote?

Side Effects

• Diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, hair loss, blurred/double vision, change in menstrual periods, ringing in the ears, shakiness (tremor), unsteadiness, weight changes may occur.
• You may rarely see partial tablets in your stool.

How long does it take for Depakote to reach steady state?

In children, steady state is reached after about 2 days of taking Depakote ER. It takes about 5 days for the same thing to happen in seniors. After steady state is achieved, the levels of medication in the blood can be expected to be fairly constant.

How much Depakote can you take in a day?

Depakote tablets are administered orally. The recommended starting dose is 250 mg twice daily. Some patients may benefit from doses up to 1,000 mg/day.

Can you take Depakote once a day?

Depakote ER tablets are administered orally once a day and must be swallowed whole. Depakote ER should be administered once daily using a dose 8%-20% higher than the total daily dose of Depakote. If satisfactory clinical response has not been achieved, monitor plasma levels.

Can Depakote ER be given twice a day?

Furthermore, divalproex-ER given twice-daily assures not only efficacy but also increases the safety of the treatment due to a strong reduction in the steady state peak plasma valproate concentration.

Is Depakote used for depression?

Previous studies suggest that Depakote is promising in the treatment of mixed and depressed episodes of bipolar disorder. This study utilizes the extended release formulation of divalproex sodium, with demonstrated increased tolerability.

What is the mechanism of action of Depakote?

The most popular theory is that valproic acid exerts its effects by increasing the concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter, a chemical that nerves use to communicate with one another. The FDA approved valproic acid in February, 1978 and divalproex in March 1983.