Depakote CR (Divalproex)

Do's

• Take Depakote CR exactly as directed by your healthcare provider, typically once a day.
• Take it with food if you experience stomach upset.
• Take your medication regularly at the same time each day for consistent levels in your body.
• Be honest with your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal products.
• Inform your healthcare provider if your condition doesn't improve.

Don'ts

• Do not crush or chew them, as this can release all the medication at once and increase side effects. Swallow the tablets whole.
• Don't use Depakote CR for acute migraine headaches. There are other medications for those.
• Don't stop abruptly without your healthcare provider's guidance. Continue taking Depakote CR even if you feel well, especially for seizure control. 

Common Side Effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Sleepiness
• Weakness
• Tremors (uncontrolled shaking)
• Hair loss
• Insomnia
• Dizziness

Serious Side Effects:

• Black, tarry stools
• Bleeding gums
• Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• Blood in the urine or stools
• Chills
• Confusion
• Cough
• Crying
• Delusions of persecution, mistrust, suspiciousness, or combativeness
• Difficult or labored breathing
• Dysphoria
• False beliefs that cannot be changed by facts
• False or unusual sense of well-being
• Feeling of unreality
• Fever
• A general feeling of discomfort or illness
• Hoarseness
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Lower back or side pain
• Mental depression
• Muscle aches and pains
• Nervousness
• Chest pain
• Easy bruising/unexplained bleeding
• Fast/slow/irregular heartbeat
• Swelling of hands/feet
• Uncontrolled eye movement (nystagmus)
• Feeling cold/shivering
• Rapid breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Allergic reaction (fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching/swelling)

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Depakote cr, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Tell your healthcare provider about any allergies you have, especially to valproic acid, valproate sodium, or divalproex sodium.

Inform your healthcare provider of your medical history, particularly liver disease, pancreatitis, metabolic disorders, alcohol abuse, bleeding problems, brain disease, kidney disease, dehydration, or poor nutrition.

Be careful to avoid cuts, bruises, or injuries as Depakote CR may increase bleeding risk.

Disclose your use of Depakote CR to your healthcare provider before any surgery.

Depakote CR may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or activities requiring alertness until you can do so safely. Don't drink alcohol or use marijuana while on Depakote CR.

Children under 6 are at higher risk for liver problems and pancreatitis.

Older adults may experience increased drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness, or tremors. Be cautious to avoid falls.

Depakote CR can harm an unborn baby. Do not get pregnant while taking it. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider if you plan to become pregnant.

Depakote CR passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.