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.
Is Depakote ER better than DR?
Divalproex ER also yielded improved seizure control and greater improvement of psychiatric symptoms, and was greatly preferred by patients over divalproex DR.
Is Depakote ER and Dr interchangeable?
Depakote ER and the delayed-release formulation of Depakote are not interchangeable. Depakote tablets are delayed release. They have a coating to keep the medication from dissolving too soon after it’s swallowed. These tablets come in three sizes: 125 mg, 250 mg and 500 mg.
What’s the difference in delayed release and extended-release?
Delayed release: drug is released only at some point after the initial administration. Extended release: prolongs the release to reduce dosing frequency.
What is Depakote DR used for?
Depakote is one of the first generation of a class of medications called antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Depakote is used to treat complex partial seizures, simple and complex absence seizures, as well as acute manic symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder.
What are good Depakote levels?
The therapeutic range for valproic acid is 50-100 mcg/mL. The toxic level is >100 mcg/mL.
What is Depakote ER 500 mg used for?
This medication is used to treat seizure disorders, mental/mood conditions (such as manic phase of bipolar disorder), and to prevent migraine headaches. It works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.
Should I take Depakote ER in the morning or 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.
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.
Is Depakote an antipsychotic drug?
Depakote is an anticonvulsant and Abilify is a psychotropic drug (antipsychotic). Side effects of Depakote and Abilify that are similar include drowsiness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, constipation, weight changes, or vision changes/blurred vision.
Is extended release better?
Though they typically have a slightly slower onset compared to their IR counterparts, they maintain a more consistent level of the drug in your body, which could mean better treatment outcomes for longer periods of time while also lowering the occurrence of side effects.
Is Depakote ER and EC the same?
When doctors use these unnecessary abbreviations (EC and DR) on prescriptions, pharmacists may think the doctor intended to write “ER.” They may misinterpret the prescription as Depakote ER. Also, the terms “delayed release” and “extended release” seem very similar (although they are not, as explained above).
Can you take Depakote ER twice a day?
Depakote delayed-release tablets and Depakote ER tablets are approved to help prevent migraine in adults. For Depakote delayed-release tablets, the usual starting dosage is 250 mg taken twice per day. If needed, your doctor may increase your dose up to 1,000 mg per day.
How do you wean off Depakote ER?
You can cut the Depakote 125 mg in half giving you 62.5 mg. These small cuts are not necessary for everyone, but for some, slowing it way down is the only path to re-regulation after the use of the drug. You can cut any of the Depakote versions in half to configure the correct milligram dosing needed.
How do you take Depakote ER?
Depakote ER tablets should be swallowed whole, not chewed or crushed. Most doctors recommend taking them with food to avoid an upset stomach, but they also can be taken without food. Because food affects the way medicine is used by the body, try to be consistent day in and day out.
Is Depakote a good drug?
Depakote has an average rating of 6.2 out of 10 from a total of 292 ratings on Drugs.com. 47% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 29% reported a negative effect.
When do you draw Depakote ER level?
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.
What is the half life of Depakote ER?
The half-life ranges from 8 to 16 hours, with shorter times in children and longer times in the elderly. The differences between peak and trough levels with the use of Depakote ER are 10% to 20% less than the fluctuations with regular Depakote, which can be marked.
How often is Depakote level drawn?
Typically, when taking divalproex-ER once daily in the morning, a blood sample collected 21 to 24 hours later is expected to have a concentration within 3% of the trough value.
Is 1000 mg Depakote too much?
The recommended starting dose of Depakote for the prevention of migraine is 250 mg twice daily. The dose may be increased until migraine control is achieved. The maximum recommended dose is 1000 mg/day as needed.
Does Depakote ER cause weight gain?
Weight changes
Depakote often causes an increased appetite, which can lead to weight gain. People taking it to treat migraine headaches may have decreased serotonin levels, which can also lead to cravings and overeating. Depakote can also cause drowsiness, which may decrease activity level.
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