Depakote

You should not stop taking Depakote XR 500 Tablet without consulting your doctor. The dose of Depakote XR 500 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.

Yes, Depakote XR 500 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.

Yes, Depakote XR 500 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.

Yes, Depakote XR 500 Tablet may make you feel sleepy. Avoid driving or other work that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.

Yes, Depakote XR 500 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.

Yes, Depakote XR 500 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 XR 500 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.

Avoid alcohol consumption while you are on treatment with Depakote XR 500 Tablet. Taking alcohol with this medicine may make you feel more drowsy, light headed or dizzy.

The doctor may suggest blood tests before starting the treatment with Depakote XR 500 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.

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.

Overdose of Depakote XR 500 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.