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Depakote ER®
Diagnosis & Treatment > Seizure Medications > Depakote ER® > Introduction to Depakote ER
 

Introduction to Depakote ER

Depakote is the brand name used in the United States for divalproex sodium, a compound of sodium valproate and valproic acid. Divalproex sodium dissociates to the valproate ion in the gastrointestinal tract, so its effects are virtually identical to those of other forms of valproate. These include oral sodium valproate (Epilim in the UK and Australia) and valproic acid (Depakene in the U.S. and Canada, Convulex in the UK), as well as an injectable solution of valproate sodium (Depacon).

Extended-release Depakote ER, formulated to allow once-daily dosing, became available in the United States in 2000. It is not available in Canada, the UK, or Australia. Depakote ER was first used to prevent migraines but in 2002 the FDA approved it for the treatment of several kinds of seizures. Even before its approval for epilepsy, however, many neurologists were prescribing it for epilepsy patients because its sustained-release properties help to maintain steadier levels of medication in the blood.

Forms of Depakote ER
Depakote ER is marketed in the United States by Abbott Laboratories. The name or appearance may differ in other places. These descriptions apply to U.S. versions:

Tablets
Depakote ER is available in two doses:

Depakote ER 250 mg 250-mg
White ovaloid tablets with Abbott logo and "HF".
Depakote ER 500 mg 500-mg
Gray ovaloid tablets with Abbott logo and "HC".

There is no generic version of Depakote ER.

How to take and store Depakote ER
Depakote ER tablets should be swallowed whole, not chewed or crushed. They can be taken either with food or without food.

Depakote ER tablets should be stored at room temperature (77°F, 25°C) and protected from heat and moisture.

Missed doses
In general, tell patients that if they forget a dose, they should take it as soon as they remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, they should delay that dose instead of taking two doses close together. Since Depakote ER is generally taken once every 24 hours, they should allow an interval of about 12 hours before taking the second dose, and then resume a 24-hour schedule the next day.

Patients who often forget doses may benefit from using a special pillbox or watch with an alarm.