divalproex sodium

Skip to main navigation

Skip to footer

For Medicare For Providers For Brokers For Employers

Español

For Individuals & Families:

For Individuals & Families

Shop for Plans

Medical

Dental

Other Supplemental

Explore coverage through work

How to Buy Health Insurance

Types of Dental Insurance

Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment

See all topics

Shop for Medicare plans

Member Guide

Find a Doctor

Home

Knowledge Center

Wellness Library

divalproex sodium

Pronunciation: dye val PRO ex

Brand: Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkles

Depakote ER

slide 1 of 36, Depakote ER,

250 mg, oval, white, imprinted with aHF

slide 1 of 36

Depakote Sprinkles

slide 2 of 36, Depakote Sprinkles,

125 mg, capsule, blue/white, imprinted with THIS END UP, DEPAKOTE SPRINKLE 125 mg

slide 2 of 36

Depakote

slide 3 of 36, Depakote,

125 mg, oval, pink, imprinted with a NT

slide 3 of 36

Depakote

slide 4 of 36, Depakote,

250 mg, oval, peach, imprinted with a NR

slide 4 of 36

Depakote

slide 5 of 36, Depakote,

500 mg, oblong, lavender, imprinted with a NS

slide 5 of 36

Depakote ER

slide 6 of 36, Depakote ER,

500 mg, oval, gray, imprinted with aHC

slide 6 of 36

Divalproex Sodium

slide 7 of 36, Divalproex Sodium,

125 mg, oval, brown, imprinted with 93 7439

slide 7 of 36

Divalproex Sodium

slide 8 of 36, Divalproex Sodium,

250 mg, oval, brown, imprinted with 93 7440

slide 8 of 36

Divalproex Sodium

slide 9 of 36, Divalproex Sodium,

500 mg, oval, pink, imprinted with 93 7441

slide 9 of 36

Divalproex Sodium ER

slide 10 of 36, Divalproex Sodium ER,

250 mg, round, white, imprinted with M 177

slide 10 of 36

Divalproex Sodium ER

slide 11 of 36, Divalproex Sodium ER,

500 mg, oval, white, imprinted with M 473

slide 11 of 36

Divalproex Sodium

slide 12 of 36, Divalproex Sodium,

500 mg, capsule, pink, imprinted with U-S 500

slide 12 of 36

Divalproex Sodium ER

slide 13 of 36, Divalproex Sodium ER,

250 mg, oval, white, imprinted with A 510

slide 13 of 36

Divalproex Sodium ER

slide 14 of 36, Divalproex Sodium ER,

500 mg, oval, white, imprinted with A 511

slide 14 of 36

Divalproex Sodium

slide 15 of 36, Divalproex Sodium,

125 mg, oval, orange, imprinted with UL 125

slide 15 of 36

Divalproex Sodium

slide 16 of 36, Divalproex Sodium,

250 mg, oval, pink, imprinted with UL 250

slide 16 of 36

Divalproex Sodium

slide 17 of 36, Divalproex Sodium,

500 mg, oval, pink, imprinted with UL 500

slide 17 of 36

Divalproex Sodium ER

slide 18 of 36, Divalproex Sodium ER,

250 mg, round, white, imprinted with m 177

slide 18 of 36

Divalproex Sodium ER

slide 19 of 36, Divalproex Sodium ER,

500 mg, oval, white, imprinted with M 473

slide 19 of 36

Divalproex Sodium Sprinkles

slide 20 of 36, Divalproex Sodium Sprinkles,

125 mg, capsule, blue/white, imprinted with THIS END UP, RDY 532

slide 20 of 36

Divalproex Sodium

slide 21 of 36, Divalproex Sodium,

250 mg, oval, orange, imprinted with 797

slide 21 of 36

Divalproex Sodium

slide 22 of 36, Divalproex Sodium,

500 mg, oval, pink, imprinted with 798

slide 22 of 36

Divalproex Sodium ER

slide 23 of 36, Divalproex Sodium ER,

250 mg, oval, white, imprinted with HF

slide 23 of 36

Divalproex Sodium ER

slide 24 of 36, Divalproex Sodium ER,

500 mg, oval, gray, imprinted with a HC

slide 24 of 36

Depakote

slide 25 of 36, Depakote,

125 mg, oval, pink, imprinted with a NT

slide 25 of 36

Depakote

slide 26 of 36, Depakote,

250 mg, oblong, peach, imprinted with a NR, aNR

slide 26 of 36

Depakote

slide 27 of 36, Depakote,

500 mg, oblong, lavender, imprinted with a NS

slide 27 of 36

Depakote ER

slide 28 of 36, Depakote ER,

250 mg, oval, white, imprinted with aHF

slide 28 of 36

Depakote ER

slide 29 of 36, Depakote ER,

500 mg, oval, gray, imprinted with aHC

slide 29 of 36

Divalproex Sodium Sprinkles

slide 30 of 36, Divalproex Sodium Sprinkles,

125 mg, capsule, blue/white, imprinted with THIS END UP, DEPAKOTE SPRINKLE 125 mg

slide 30 of 36

Divalproex Sodium

slide 31 of 36, Divalproex Sodium,

500 mg, oblong, white, imprinted with APO 048, 500

slide 31 of 36

Divalproex Sodium ER

slide 32 of 36, Divalproex Sodium ER,

250 mg, round, white, imprinted with AN 755

slide 32 of 36

Divalproex Sodium ER

slide 33 of 36, Divalproex Sodium ER,

500 mg, capsule, white, imprinted with AN 757

slide 33 of 36

Divalproex Sodium Sprinkles

slide 34 of 36, Divalproex Sodium Sprinkles,

125 mg, capsule, blue/white, imprinted with THIS END UP, RDY 532

slide 34 of 36

Divalproex Sodium

slide 35 of 36, Divalproex Sodium,

250 mg, oval, orange, imprinted with 797

slide 35 of 36

Divalproex Sodium

slide 36 of 36, Divalproex Sodium,

500 mg, oval, pink, imprinted with 798

slide 36 of 36

What is the most important information I should know about divalproex sodium?

You should not use divalproex sodium if you have liver disease, a urea cycle disorder, or a genetic disorder such as Alpers' disease or Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome.

Do not start or stop taking divalproex sodium during pregnancy without your doctor's advice. Divalproex sodium may harm an unborn baby, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Do not use divalproex sodium to prevent migraine headaches if you are pregnant.

Divalproex sodium can cause liver failure that may be fatal, especially in children under age 2 and in people with liver problems caused by certain genetic disorders.

Call your doctor at once if the person taking this medicine has signs of liver or pancreas problems, such as: loss of appetite, upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back), ongoing nausea or vomiting, dark urine, swelling in the face, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Do not stop using divalproex sodium without your doctor's advice. Stopping suddenly may cause a serious, life-threatening type of seizure.

What is divalproex sodium?

Divalproex sodium comes in different pill forms that are for different uses.

Divalproex sodium tablets and capsules are used to treat seizures in people with epilepsy who are at least 10 years old. Divalproex sodium tablets are sometimes used together with other seizure medications.

Divalproex sodium tablets are also used in adults to prevent migraine headaches, or to treat manic episodes related to bipolar disorder (manic depression).

Divalproex sodium may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking divalproex sodium?

You should not use divalproex sodium if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

liver disease;
a urea cycle disorder; or
a genetic mitochondrial (MYE-toe-KON-dree-al) disorder such as Alpers' disease or Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome, especially in a child younger than 2 years old.

Divalproex sodium can cause liver failure that may be fatal, especially in children under age 2 and in people with liver problems caused by a genetic mitochondrial disorder.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

liver problems caused by a genetic mitochondrial disorder;
depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts or actions; or
a family history of a urea cycle disorder or infant deaths with unknown cause.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking divalproex sodium. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

Using divalproex sodium during pregnancy may increase the risk of serious birth defects that can develop early in pregnancy, even before you know you are pregnant. Using this medicine during pregnancy can also affect cognitive ability (reasoning, intelligence, problem-solving) later in your child's life. However, having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both the mother and the baby.

If you take divalproex sodium for seizures or manic episodes: The benefit of preventing seizures or manic episodes may outweigh any risks posed by this medicine. There may be other medications that are safer to use during pregnancy. Do not start or stop taking divalproex sodium without your doctor's advice.

Do not use divalproex sodium to prevent migraine headaches if you are pregnant or you could become pregnant.

If you are not pregnant, use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while using divalproex sodium. Tell your doctor if you start or stop using hormonal contraception that contains estrogen (birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings). Estrogen can interact with divalproex sodium and make it less effective in preventing seizures.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

How should I take divalproex sodium?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Drink plenty of water while you are taking this medication. Your dose may need to be changed if you do not get enough fluids each day.

Swallow the capsule or tablet whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

If you cannot swallow a sprinkle capsule whole, open it and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of pudding or applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away. Do not save it for later use.

You may need frequent blood tests.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using divalproex sodium.

In case of emergency, wear or carry medical identification to let others know you use divalproex sodium.

Do not stop using divalproex sodium suddenly, even if you feel fine. Stopping suddenly may cause a serious, life-threatening type of seizure. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking divalproex sodium?

Drinking alcohol may increase certain side effects of divalproex sodium.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

What are the possible side effects of divalproex sodium?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these other side effects:

easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, or gums), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
fever, swollen glands, mouth sores;
confusion, tiredness, cold feeling, vomiting, change in your mental state;
severe drowsiness; or
worsening seizures.

Common side effects may include:

nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation;
headache, back pain;
dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, tremors;
memory problems, mood changes, trouble sleeping;
bruising or bleeding;
runny nose, sore throat, cough, wheezing, trouble breathing;
fever, flu symptoms;
problems with walking or coordination;
swelling in your hands or feet;
blurred vision, double vision, unusual eye movements;
ringing in your ears;
rash, hair loss; or
changes in weight or appetite.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect divalproex sodium?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Many drugs can affect divalproex sodium. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about divalproex sodium.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 14.01. Revision date: 2/27/2020.

Your use of the content provided in this service indicates that you have read, understood and agree to the End-User License Agreement, which can be accessed by End-User License Agreement, which can be accessed by clicking on this link.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

<cipublic-spinner variant="large"><span>Loading…</span></cipublic-spinner>

Page Footer

I want to...

Get an ID card

File a claim

View my claims and EOBs

Check coverage under my plan

See prescription drug list

Find an in-network doctor, dentist, or facility

Find a form

Find 1095-B tax form information

View the Cigna Glossary

Contact Cigna

Audiences

Individuals and Families

Medicare

Employers

Brokers

Providers

Secure Member Sites

myCigna member portal

Health Care Provider portal

Cigna for Employers

Client Resource Portal

Cigna for Brokers

The Cigna Group Information

About The Cigna Group

Company Profile

Careers

Newsroom

Investors

Suppliers

The Cigna Group

Third Party Administrators

International

Evernorth

Privacy

Legal

Product Disclosures

Cigna Company Names

Customer Rights

Accessibility

Non-Discrimination Notice

Language Assistance [PDF]

Report Fraud

Sitemap

Cookie Settings

Disclaimer

Individual and family medical and dental insurance plans are insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (CHLIC), Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Illinois, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Georgia, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of South Carolina, Inc., and Cigna HealthCare of Texas, Inc. Group health insurance and health benefit plans are insured or administered by CHLIC, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (CGLIC), or their affiliates (see a listing of the legal entities that insure or administer group HMO, dental HMO, and other products or services in your state). Accidental Injury, Critical Illness, and Hospital Care plans or insurance policies are distributed exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, are administered by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, and are insured by either (i) Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT); (ii) Life Insurance Company of North America (“LINA”) (Philadelphia, PA); or (iii) New York Life Group Insurance Company of NY (“NYLGICNY”) (New York, NY), formerly known as Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. The Cigna name, logo, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. LINA and NYLGICNY are not affiliates of Cigna.

All insurance policies and group benefit plans contain exclusions and limitations. For availability, costs and complete details of coverage, contact a licensed agent or Cigna sales representative. This website is not intended for residents of New Mexico.

Selecting these links will take you away from Cigna.com to another website, which may be a non-Cigna website. Cigna may not control the content or links of non-Cigna websites. Details

Shop for Plans

Shop for your own coverage

Plans through your employer

Learn

Looking for Medicare coverage?

divalproex sodium

Depakote ER

Depakote Sprinkles

Depakote

Depakote

Depakote

Depakote ER

Divalproex Sodium

Divalproex Sodium

Divalproex Sodium

Divalproex Sodium ER

Divalproex Sodium ER

Divalproex Sodium

Divalproex Sodium ER

Divalproex Sodium ER

Divalproex Sodium

Divalproex Sodium

Divalproex Sodium

Divalproex Sodium ER

Divalproex Sodium ER

Divalproex Sodium Sprinkles

Divalproex Sodium

Divalproex Sodium

Divalproex Sodium ER

Divalproex Sodium ER

Depakote

Depakote

Depakote

Depakote ER

Depakote ER

Divalproex Sodium Sprinkles

Divalproex Sodium

Divalproex Sodium ER

Divalproex Sodium ER

Divalproex Sodium Sprinkles

Divalproex Sodium

Divalproex Sodium

What is the most important information I should know about divalproex sodium?

What is divalproex sodium?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking divalproex sodium?

How should I take divalproex sodium?

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking divalproex sodium?

What are the possible side effects of divalproex sodium?

What other drugs will affect divalproex sodium?

Where can I get more information?

Page Footer

I want to...

Audiences

Secure Member Sites

The Cigna Group Information

Disclaimer