Author Details
Written By
BDS
Reviewed By
DM, MD
Last updated
19 Nov 2024 | 01:04 AM (IST)

We provide you with authentic, trustworthy and relevant information

Want to know more

Have issue with the content?

Report Problem

Depakote 250 Tablet

Prescription Required
SALT COMPOSITION
Storage
Store below 30°C
arrow
arrow

Product introduction

Depakote 250 Tablet is a medicine used to treat epilepsy. It helps prevent and control seizures (fits). It is also used in the prevention of migraines. Occasionally, it may also be used to treat bipolar disorder.

Depakote 250 Tablet may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. The dose and how often you need to take it will be decided by your doctor so that you get the right amount to control your symptoms. You can take this medicine with or without food but take it at the same time each day to get the most benefit.

It usually takes a couple of weeks to work. It is important to take this medicine regularly and for as long as you are advised, even if you feel well. Missing doses may trigger seizures and, if you stop, your condition may get worse. It should never be stopped suddenly.

This medicine's most common side effects include headache, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, unsteadiness, bruising, and decreased body temperature. Most of these are not serious. Keep taking the medicine but talk to your doctor if these side effects bother you or do not go away. However, if you notice a skin rash or redness, tell your doctor straight away. Long-term treatment with this medicine can cause osteoporosis (reduced bone mass) and increase your risk of breaking a bone. Also, Depakote 250 Tablet may rarely lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. If your mood becomes depressed, tell your doctor.

This medicine may not be suitable for everybody. Before using it, tell your doctor if you have ever had heart problems, kidney or liver disease, difficulty urinating, depression, or suicidal thoughts. Many other medicines can interfere with it and some should not be taken together so tell your doctor all the medicines you are taking to make sure it is safe. If you are pregnant, do not start or stop taking this medicine without asking your doctor. Drinking alcohol should be avoided as it can increase some of the side effects and can also increase your risk of seizures. You may need frequent blood tests to help your doctor make sure you are taking the right dose both before you start and while you are using it.

Benefits of Depakote Tablet

In Treatment of Epilepsy/Seizures

Depakote 250 Tablet is an anticonvulsant (or anti-epileptic) medicine that works by decreasing the nerve impulses which cause the seizures. By controlling the frequency of seizures, it will help you go about your daily activities with more confidence. It helps reduce symptoms such as confusion, uncontrollable jerking movements, loss of awareness, and fear or anxiety.
This medicine is not associated with any physical or psychological dependence (addiction) but it should not be stopped suddenly. It must be taken regularly as prescribed to be effective. Missing doses may trigger a seizure.

In Treatment of Bipolar disorder

Depakote 250 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. It is likely that you will take this medicine for at least six months but possibly much longer. It needs to be taken regularly to work effectively. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor advises you to. You should continue to eat well and keep fit to reduce symptoms of bipolar disorder.

In Prevention of Migraine

It is not fully established how Depakote 250 Tablet helps prevent migraines. It may change the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain or increase the activity in a region of the brain associated with migraines. By preventing and reducing the frequency of headaches, it can help you carry out your daily activities and have a better quality of life.

Side effects of Depakote Tablet

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Depakote

  • Decreased body temperature
  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Tremors
  • Paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation)
  • Anemia (low number of red blood cells)
  • Decreased sodium level in blood
  • Liver injury
  • Gastrointestinal disturbance
  • Hypersensitivity
  • Deafness
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Increase in body weight
  • Pain during periods

How to use Depakote Tablet

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Depakote 250 Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How Depakote Tablet works

Depakote 250 Tablet is an antiepileptic medication. It controls seizures or fits by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.

Safety advice

Alcohol
UNSAFE
Depakote 250 Tablet may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Depakote 250 Tablet is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Depakote 250 Tablet is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
Driving
UNSAFE
Depakote 250 Tablet may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Depakote 250 Tablet is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Depakote 250 Tablet is recommended.
Liver
UNSAFE
Depakote 250 Tablet is probably unsafe to use in patients with liver disease and should be avoided. Please consult your doctor.

What if you forget to take Depakote Tablet?

If you miss a dose of Depakote 250 Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.\n

All substitutes

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
Depakote 250 Tablet
₹14.49/Tablet
₹9.21/tablet
36% cheaper
₹12.2/tablet
16% cheaper
Divaa 250 Tablet
Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹10.2/tablet
30% cheaper
Divalex OD 250 Tablet
Crescent Therapeutics Ltd
₹11.1/tablet
23% cheaper
Trend 250mg Tablet
Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹9.51/tablet
34% cheaper

Quick tips

  • Take your medication regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures.
  • It can be taken with or without food, but better to take with food to avoid stoamch upset. 
  • Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present with you.
  • Some healthy tips to prevent seizures:
    • Practice yoga every day.
    • Get enough sleep at nighttime.
    • Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/laptop.
    • Take your medication on time.
  • It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
  • Monitor your weight during treatment with this medicine as it can cause weight gain.
  • Your doctor may get regular blood tests done to monitor how the medication is affecting your body. Inform your doctor if you notice yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, or stomach pain.
  • Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may increase the seizure frequency.

Fact Box

Chemical Class
Aliphatic Carboxylic acid Derivatives
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
NEURO CNS
Action Class
Sodium channel modulators (AED)

Patient concerns

arrow
i m a suffering from bipolar disorder what should i do. also angryness. i am eating tablets like licab depakote qutan is it ok?
Dr. Jyoti Kapoor Madan
Psychiatry
Lithium, Divalproex sodium and Quitipine are mood stabilizers and are needed for treatment of Bipolar disorder.
sir i am having bipolar disorder taking medicines licab, depakote, qutan from 1 yr. but not geting full relief ? feeling restless and not able to learn and think new ideas. have done all tests with positive report
Dr. Jyoti Kapoor Madan
Psychiatry
Mood Disorders are characterized by disturbance in an individual?s mood which is significant and pervasive and effects his/her personal, social and or occupational life. A normal mood highlights the general personality of a person and his or her reaction to every day situation , however if a person has a mood disorder, their reactions are different and can be termed as an overreaction. The mood disorders are categorized into Depressive Disorders & Bipolar Disorders depending upon the quality of mood & fluctuations in its quality. The key feature of longitudinal course of mood disorder is a tendency towards cyclicity or recurrence.
arrow

User feedback


FAQs

What happens if I stop taking Depakote 250 Tablet?

You should not stop taking Depakote 250 Tablet without consulting your doctor. The dose of Depakote 250 Tablet should be reduced gradually and eventually can be stopped under the supervision of a doctor or specialist. Suddenly stopping the medication may lead to recurrence of symptoms or irritability, anxiety, dizziness and tremors.

Is Depakote 250 Tablet a mood stabilizer?

Yes, Depakote 250 Tablet can sometimes be used as a mood stabilizer. It is given in patients who experience rapid changes in their mood. It works by calming the hyperactivity of the brain during mood changes.

Can Depakote 250 Tablet cause weight gain?

Yes, Depakote 250 Tablet may cause weight gain. The gain in weight could be due to an increase in hunger. Keep a check on your diet and exercise regularly to prevent any weight gain. If you are have concerns related to weight gain, consult your doctor.

Does Depakote 250 Tablet make you sleepy?

Yes, Depakote 250 Tablet may make you feel sleepy. Avoid driving or other work that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.

Does Depakote 250 Tablet cause hair loss?

Yes, Depakote 250 Tablet may cause hair loss. However, it is only for a short time and is usually dose related. Please consult your doctor if the hair loss bothers you or persists for a longer duration.

Can Depakote 250 Tablet damage my liver?

Yes, Depakote 250 Tablet can cause damage to the liver. The risk is more likely to occur during the first 6 months of starting the treatment with Depakote 250 Tablet. Symptoms of liver damage may include nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, dark coloured urine, facial swelling, yellowing of the skin or white of eyes. Therefore, it is important to have liver function tests done before starting the medicine and. Tests should be done periodically during the first 6 months of therapy, especially in those who are likely to be at risk and those with a prior history of liver disease.

Can I take alcohol while I am taking Depakote 250 Tablet?

Avoid alcohol consumption while you are on treatment with Depakote 250 Tablet. Taking alcohol with this medicine may make you feel more drowsy, light headed or dizzy.

What are the laboratory tests recommended prior to taking Depakote 250 Tablet?

The doctor may suggest blood tests before starting the treatment with Depakote 250 Tablet. The tests may include blood cell count, including platelet count, bleeding time and coagulation tests These tests are also advised to avoid any spontaneous bruising or bleeding. In addition to this, liver function tests are advised before therapy. It is recommended to periodically monitor liver function during the first 6 months of therapy, primarily in those who seem most at risk and those with a prior history of liver disease.

What should be done if I start experiencing abdominal pain, nausea and anorexia?

If you experience acute severe abdominal pain along with nausea and vomiting, it may be due to pancreatitis. Immediately consult your doctor in case you experience these symptoms. Your doctor may get your levels of serum amylase checked. In case the test shows positive results for pancreatitis, the medication should be stopped immediately.

How to check for overdose of Depakote 250 Tablet?

Overdose of Depakote 250 Tablet may cause headaches, blurred eyesight due to pupils of the eyes becoming smaller, lack of reflexes, confusion and tiredness. You may also experience weak or “floppy” muscles, fits (seizures), loss of consciousness, behavioral changes and breathing difficulties such as fast breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Immediate medical assistance is required in case of overdose.

Related ayurvedic ingredients

Want to share the information?

Disclaimer:

Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.

References

  1. Divalproex sodium. North Chicago: AbbVie Inc; 1983 [revised Feb. 2016]. [Accessed 22 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:External Link
  2. Divalproex sodium. North Chicago, IL: Abbott Laboratories; 2006. [Accessed 22 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:External Link
  3. Divalproex sodium [Medication Guide]. Halol, Gujarat: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.; 2022. [Accessed 20 June 2023]. (online) Available from:External Link
  4. Divalproex sodium [Prescribing Information]. Ghaziabad, UP: Unichem Laboratories Ltd.; 2023. [Accessed 20 June 2023]. (online) Available from:External Link
  5. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). [Accessed 22 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:External Link

Marketer details

Name: Sanofi India Ltd
Address: Sanofi House, CTS No.117-B, L&T Business Park, Saki Vihar Road, Powai, Mumbai 400072
Country of origin: India
Expires on or after: June, 2025

A licensed vendor partner from your nearest location will deliver Depakote 250 Tablet. Once the pharmacy accepts your order, the details of the pharmacy will be shared with you. Acceptance of your order is based on the validity of your doctor's ℞ and the availability of this medicine.

In case of any issues, contact us

Email ID: [email protected]
Phone Number: 0124-4166666
Address: 5th Floor Tower - B of the Presidency Building, 46/4 Mehrauli Gurgaon Road, Sector 14, Gurugram, Haryana-122001, India

184.78217.39Get 15% OFF
128.26+ free shipping withCare Plan Logo
Inclusive of all taxes
This offer price is valid on orders above ₹2500. Apply coupon HEALTHALL on the cart. Max. coupon discount is ₹400. T&C apply.
15.0 tablets in 1 strip
Add to cart
Cash on delivery available
Get it delivered by Today
Delivering to:
122019, GurgaonDown Arrow Icon

Additional offers

Airtel Payments Bank: Pay with Airtel Payments Bank and get 10% cashback up to Rs. 200 cashback on a minimum transaction of ₹1000. Valid only for first-time users for Airtel Payments Bank Savings Bank accounts.
Show more show_more

INDIA’S LARGEST HEALTHCARE PLATFORM

260m+
Visitors
31m+
Orders Delivered
1800+
Cities
Get the link to download App
Reliable

All products displayed on Tata 1mg are procured from verified and licensed pharmacies. All labs listed on the platform are accredited

Secure

Tata 1mg uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) 128-bit encryption and is Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliant

Affordable

Find affordable medicine substitutes, save up to 50% on health products, up to 80% off on lab tests and free doctor consultations.

LegitScript approved
India's only LegitScript and ISO/ IEC 27001:2022 certified online healthcare platform

Know more about Tata 1mgdownArrow

Access medical and health information

Tata 1mg provides you with medical information which is curated, written and verified by experts, accurate and trustworthy. Our experts create high-quality content about medicines, diseases, lab investigations, Over-The-Counter (OTC) health products, Ayurvedic herbs/ingredients, and alternative remedies.

Order medicines online

Get free medicine home delivery in over 1800 cities across India. You can also order Ayurvedic, Homeopathic and other Over-The-Counter (OTC) health products. Your safety is our top priority. All products displayed on Tata 1mg are procured from verified and licensed pharmacies.

Book lab tests

Book any lab tests and preventive health packages from certified labs and get tested from the comfort of your home. Enjoy free home sample collection, view reports online and consult a doctor online for free.

Consult a doctor online

Got a health query? Consult doctors online from the comfort of your home for free. Chat privately with our registered medical specialists to connect directly with verified doctors. Your privacy is guaranteed.