Depakote

--If you miss a dose...

If you take Depakote once a day, take your dose as soon as you remember. If you don't remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

If you take more than one dose a day, take your dose right away if it's within 6 hours of the scheduled time, and take the rest of the day's doses at equal intervals during the day. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Because Depakote is often used with other antiseizure drugs, it may not be possible to determine whether a side effect is due to Depakote alone. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Depakote.

• More common side effects may include:
  Abdominal pain, abnormal thinking, breathing difficulty, bronchitis, bruising, constipation, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, emotional changeability, fever, flu symptoms, hair loss, headache, incoordination, indigestion, infection, insomnia, loss of appetite, memory loss, nasal inflammation, nausea, nervousness, ringing in the ears, sleepiness, sore throat, tremor, vision problems, vomiting, weakness, weight loss or gain

Why should Depakote not be prescribed?

You should not take this medication if you have liver disease or your liver is not functioning well, or if you have a genetic abnormality known as urea cycle disorder (UCD).

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Depakote, you should not take this medication.

Special warnings about Depakote

This medication can severely damage the liver (see "Most important fact about this drug"). Your doctor will test your liver function before you begin taking this medication and at regular intervals thereafter.

Also remember that the drug can damage the pancreas (see "Most important fact about this drug"). This problem can worsen very rapidly, so be sure to contact your doctor immediately if you develop any symptoms.