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Divalproex Sodium Review – 4 Things You Didn’t Know

By Sasha de Beausset Aparicio, MSc

Reviewed by Rebecca Williams, MD, MA, MB, BChir

Last Updated:

Evidence Based | Ingredients | Price | Bottom Line

Divalproex Sodium (Depakote) is advertised as a powerful form of prescription medication that can help reduce the symptoms related to manic depression and bipolar disorder. The company behind this product is Abbott Laboratories.

They have been in business for more than 120 years, and currently, they are located in Illinois, United States.

Several names offer this particular form of medication. Divalproex Sodium and Depakote are the most common names for the American consumer. The drug is also available in the UK and Canada but under different names and manufactured by various pharmaceutical companies.

This is a form of prescription medication. It is strongly advised only to take it when prescribed for you and not for someone else. Doctors may offer free samples of this medication to see how a patient will react to it.

Ingredients

1) Details on Divalproex Sodium Ingredients and Uses

Divalproex Sodium or Depakote includes the following ingredients: Divalproex sodium, cellulosic polymers, diacetylated monoglycerides, povidone, pregelatinized starch (contains corn starch), silica gel, talc, titanium dioxide, and vanillin.

2) Does Divalproex Sodium Work and it is Safe?

Divalproex Sodium (Depakote) is advertised as an antidepressant claimed to work by controlling the amount of electricity the brain can produce. However, the brain is, without any doubt, the most complex organ in the human body.

While the manufacturer claims this is a beneficial form of medication, we can’t support these claims without concrete evidence. The complexity of the brain makes it hard to determine how a drug will affect the chemical composition.

In conclusion, the same medication may affect people very differently. The manufacturer fails to provide the necessary evidence that final and comprehensive clinical trials have been conducted to prove this drug’s effectiveness.

Divalproex Sodium is commonly prescribed to reduce the symptoms associated with manic depression and bipolar disorder. However, the drug may be useful in treating chronic pain, migraines, and epilepsy as well.

The recommended daily dose of this medication may vary from one patient to another. The treatment will start with a low amount, and if necessary, the amount will be gradually increased.

Divalproex Sodium is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing. It has been noted that the risk of congenital disabilities is up to five times higher when this drug is taken.

Just like with all the prescription medication, this medication has been associated with numerous side effects: loss of coordination, dizziness, vomiting, loss of appetite, and changes in urine color.

Price

3) Divalproex Sodium Price

Divalproex Sodium is an expensive form of treatment. Those who can’t afford the medicine should consult with their doctor and try to find alternative therapies. The generic version of Divalproex Sodium may be an alternative.

Many health insurance and prescription plan programs do cover this particular medication. There can be co-pays and deductibles that apply depending on the specific coverage that you have.

Bottom Line

4) Our Bottom Line

In the end, a doctor is the only one who can recommend or prescribe this form of medication. Even if a patient likes it and wants to use the drug, it would be impossible without a doctor’s written permission.

Divalproex Sodium may be useful for those who suffer from manic depression and bipolar disorder.

However, please note that this product is a prescription drug. Like all prescription drugs, it has been associated with numerous side effects.

We recommend our readers to research all the possible options before starting treatment with Divalproex Sodium.

4/5 - (2 votes)
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