Depakote
(divalproex)
●●●●●
3.3/ 5 average rating with 97 reviewsforDepakote
Skip to: drug prices sectionSkip to: what to expect sectionSkip to: side effects sectionSkip to: risks and warnings sectionSkip to: common concerns from users and pharmacists
Treats and prevents seizures, and stabilizes mood.
Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.
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Our bottom line
Depakote (divalproex) is good for long-term prevention of seizures, manic episodes in bipolar disorder, and migraines.
Lowest price near you
- Price before coupon$205.67
- Lowest price with coupon$14.2093% savings
Quick facts about Depakote
- Drug class: Neurology
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (divalproex)
Upsides
- Lowers the frequency of seizures, especially for people with absence seizures or complex partial seizures.
- Depakote (divalproex) is a first-line treatment to stabilize mood for people with bipolar disorder.
- Depakote (divalproex) is helpful for preventing frequent migraines.
- The sprinkle pill can be swallowed whole or can be opened up and mixed with applesauce if you have a hard time swallowing.
- Depakote (divalproex) is available as a generic.
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What to expect from Depakote, on one page
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97Downsides
- It can take 3 to 4 weeks before you feel the full effects of Depakote (divalproex).
- Depakote (divalproex) is not a good medication for people with liver problems.
- Requires regular blood tests to see how the medication is affecting your body.
- Depakote (divalproex) can make you bleed more easily.
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What to expect from Depakote, on one page
Download Fact SheetHow it works
Depakote (divalproex) is an antiepileptic. It increases the amount of GABA, a chemical that calms nerves in the brain.
Quick facts about Depakote
- Drug class: Neurology
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (divalproex)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release pill
- Delayed release pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.Prices and coupons for 60 (500mg) tablets of divalproex near
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$14.20 - CostcoGet free coupon$14.98
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See more prices and coupons in your areaWhat to expect when you take Depakote (divalproex) for Bipolar disorder
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Nausea
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Accidental injury
- Feeling weak
Side effect rates for Depakote (divalproex)
From 186 clinical trials of Depakote when taken for bipolar disorder
- Nausea22%22%15%15%
- Sleepiness19%19%12%12%
- Dizziness12%12%4%4%
- Vomiting12%12%3%3%
- Accidental injury11%11%5%5%
- Feeling weak10%10%7%7%
- Abdominal pain9%9%8%8%
- Upset stomach9%9%8%8%
- Rash6%6%3%3%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Where we got our data »
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Depakote.
Depakote (divalproex)
Placebo
People taking Depakote felt side effect more
People taking Depakote felt side effect less
No difference
Risks and Warnings for Depakote (divalproex)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.Depakote (divalproex) can cause harm to the unborn baby taken while you are pregnant. If you're pregnant or considering having a baby, talk to your doctor about alternative medications.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Means that some groups have a high risk of experiencing this side effect
Pharmacist Q&A
Depakote (divalproex) questions for
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats complex partial seizures.Common concerns from people taking Depakote (divalproex)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Food
- Take with food to avoid upset stomach. Do not chew, break, or crush, and swallow the pill whole.
Weight
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed divalproexon 7/14/2019I've been taking Depakote/divalproex for a little over a year and it has helped my anxiety and to tremendously stabilize my mood. Gained weight on it, but it was a desirable side effect as I am a bodybuilder and work out regularly so the added weight was mostly muscle.25ManA year or soBipolar disorder
- Not sureBig hassleReviewed Depakoteon 8/8/2017Weight gain, 20 lbs in a year. Half of my hair thinned out after 4 months taking it. 1 year later it's finally starting to look decent but not like it was. Tried to change some eating habits and joined a gym. And my appetite is still not the same. I'm trying to get my dr to put me on something different27WomanA year or soBipolar II disorder
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed Depakoteon 6/7/2017I gained 10 pounds every month I took depakote in odd places that I've never gained weight before. I basically became very broad (not in a good way) with a hump back. Felt like a zombie.29WomanA year or soBipolar I disorder (manic)