Table of Contents
What is Epival prescribed for?
It is used to manage and control certain types of seizures. It can be used alone or in combination with other seizure control medications. It is also used for people 18 years of age and older with bipolar disorder to treat manic episodes.
What does divalproex do to the body?
Descriptions. Divalproex sodium is used to treat certain types of seizures (epilepsy). This medicine is an anticonvulsant that works in the brain tissue to stop seizures. Divalproex sodium is also used to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness) and helps prevent migraine headaches.
Is divalproex a safe drug?
Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. A small number of people who take anticonvulsants for any condition (such as seizure, bipolar disorder, pain) may experience depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, or other mental/mood problems.
Is Epival good for depression?
Epival Tablet works to restore the normal balance of nerve activity in your brain. It can help prevent extreme changes in mood and help you feel less agitated. You may experience fewer episodes of low mood. It can take several weeks for this medicine to work and you may still feel low during this time.
Does Epival make you sleepy?
The most common side effects of sodium valproate include feeling sick or shaky, an upset stomach, feeling sleepy and weight gain.
Does divalproex help depression?
Conclusions: These pilot results indicate that divalproex is effective in reducing the symptoms of depression and anxiety in bipolar I, depressed phase. These positive results support the need to perform a larger, multisite study of divalproex treatment for bipolar depression.
Is divalproex a antidepressant?
Our results suggest that divalproex possesses antidepressant properties, in the same general therapeutic level range as for mania.
How does Epival work in the brain?
EPIVAL® is thought to work by increasing the amount of an amino acid in the brain called “gamma- aminobutyric acid” (GABA). By changing the amount of GABA in the brain, EPIVAL® is able to help control epilepsy and stabilize mood.
Does Epival cause hair loss?
Drug-induced hair loss may occur as a side effect in patients treated with valproate. However, few studies have reported a relationship between the blood levels of valproate and the occurrence of hair loss. We report three cases of alopecia that occurred in patients who received sodium valproate for mental disorders.
How long should I take divalproex?
Dosage warning There is no evidence that divalproex is effective for long-term use in mania (longer than three weeks). If your doctor would like you to take this drug for a longer period of time, they will check if you still need the drug regularly.
What happens if I stop taking divalproex?
A: Do not stop taking Depakote without first talking to your doctor. Stopping Depakote suddenly can cause serious problems, including seizures that do not stop (also known as “status epilepticus”). Please see Full Prescribing Information with Medication Guide for the complete list of side effects.
Does divalproex sodium make you sleepy?
Children younger than 6 years may be at greater risk for liver problems and pancreatitis. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness, or tremor. Drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness can increase the risk of falling.
What are the side effects of Epival?
Side effects
- it may cause hair loss;
- it may cause diarrhea;
- it may cause dizziness — use caution when getting up from a lying or sitting position;
- it may cause unusual tiredness;
- it may cause nausea or, rarely, vomiting;
- it may cause shakiness.
How quickly does Epival work?
It may take 1 to 2 weeks before the benefits of valproic acid become noticeable. Improvement may be seen earlier if valproic acid is combined with other medications. A delay in response is normal. You (or your family members) may notice clearer thoughts, less moodiness, anger, irritability, or explosive behaviour.