Peak levels of valproate in the blood are reached in 7 to 14 hours. At equal doses, the bioavailability of Depakote ER is about 89% that of regular Depakote. To achieve equivalent bioavailability, the once-daily dose of Depakote ER needs to be 8% to 20% higher than the total multiple daily doses of Depakote.
How long does Depakote take to be therapeutic?
Tablets take 4 hours to reach a peak, Depakote sprinkles take just over three. Food can delay the absorption of Depakote (food has a more significant effect on the tablets compared with the sprinkles). It may take several weeks of regular dosing before an effect on mood or seizure frequency is reported.
How long does it take for valproic acid to reach steady state?
Steady state is reached after about 2 days of taking a stable dose of valproic acid.
How often should you monitor Depakote levels?
Monitor Depakote levels, liver function tests, and CBC with diff every 3-6 months.
What is the therapeutic range when Depakote is used to assist with mood stabilization?
The dose usually ranges from 1000 mg to 3500 mg or more.
How can I increase my Depakote levels?
Depakote may be added to the patient’s regimen at a dosage of 10 to 15 mg/kg/day. The dosage may be increased by 5 to 10 mg/kg/week to achieve optimal clinical response. Ordinarily, optimal clinical response is achieved at daily doses below 60 mg/kg/day.
How long does Depakote ER stay in your system?
In healthy adults, it stays in the body for about 3–4 days. In people suffering from liver disease or any metabolic disorder, this duration is extended, as the liver is unable to digest Divalproex. The breakdown of the medicine also depends on age, weight, and general health.
When do you draw Depakote trough?
Trough sampling is easily achieved just before a morning daily dose, but the best time to sample after an evening daily dose is unclear, because collecting a blood sample 21 to 24 hours later may be limited by the operational hours of the laboratory.
When do you draw Depakote levels?
It is recommended that trough levels for the DR version be drawn immediately prior to the morning dose, assuming a twice-daily dosing strategy. For once-daily divalproex ER regimens, the ideal time to draw serum levels is immediately prior to the next scheduled dose.
Is it better to take Depakote at night?
A: You should take Depakote at a time of day when you can best remember to take it consistently—for instance, in the morning with breakfast or in the evening before you go to bed. Please see Full Prescribing Information with Medication Guide for the complete list of side effects.
Do you need to fast for a Depakote level?
No Fasting Required. No other special preparations required.
What happens if your Depakote level is too low?
Some people will experience seizures, mood swings, or migraines at the low end of the therapeutic range while some people will experience excessive side effects at the upper end.
How do you test Depakote levels?
A valproic acid test measures the amount of valproic acid, which is an anticonvulsant medicine, in a blood sample. Valproic acid is prescribed primarily to prevent seizures. The seizure disorder epilepsy is a nervous system condition that causes electrical signals in the brain to misfire.
How long does it take for Depakote to work for migraines?
As with most preventives, Depakote needs four to six weeks to become effective. It is FDA-approved for migraine prevention.
Can Depakote change your personality?
Divalproex sodium may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. If you notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor right away.
Is 500mg of Depakote a lot?
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.
Does Depakote affect sodium levels?
Administration of high doses of the mood stabilizer and antiepileptic drug sodium valproate can cause an SIADH-like syndrome with hyponatremia. We recommend that sodium levels be monitored regularly during administration of high doses of sodium valproate.
What are signs of Depakote toxicity?
CNS findings in cases of VPA overdose may include the following:
- Coma.
- Confusion.
- Somnolence.
- Worsened seizure control.
- Dizziness.
- Hallucinations.
- Irritability.
- Headache.
Is there a difference between Depakote ER and Depakote DR?
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.
Should I eat with Depakote?
Divalproex sodium should be taken with food, so take your doses with a snack or just after you have had a meal. If you have been given delayed or extended release tablets, swallow them whole with a drink of water. Do not chew or crush the tablets because they have a special protective coating.
Why do Depakote levels need to be checked?
Depakote levels are routinely checked with blood tests to make sure you have neither too little nor too much in your system. Too little will render it ineffective while too much may be toxic.
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