Depakote

Overview

About Depakote

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Depakote may produce birth defects if it is taken during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Depakote appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Depakote is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with this medication is finished.

Recommended dosage

EPILEPSY

Dosage for adults and children 10 years of age or older is determined by body weight. The usual recommended starting dose is 10 to 15 milligrams per 2.2 pounds per day, depending on the type of seizure. Your doctor may increase the dose at 1-week intervals by 5 to 10 milligrams per 2.2 pounds per day until your seizures are controlled or the side effects become too severe. The most you should take is 60 milligrams per 2.2 pounds per day. If your total dosage is more than 250 milligrams a day, your doctor will divide it into smaller individual doses.

Older adults usually begin taking this medication at lower dosages, and the dosage is increased more slowly.

MANIC EPISODES

The usual starting dose for those aged 18 and over is 750 milligrams a day, divided into smaller doses. Your doctor will adjust the dose for best results.

MIGRAINE PREVENTION

Delayed-Release Tablets

The usual starting dose for those aged 16 and over is 250 milligrams twice a day. Your doctor will adjust the dose, up to a maximum of 1,000 milligrams a day.

Extended-Release Tablets

The usual starting dose is 500 milligrams once a day for 1 week. The dose may then be increased to 1,000 milligrams once a day.

Depakote delayed-release and extended-release tablets work differently, so you cannot substitute one type for the other.

Researchers have not established the safety and effectiveness of Depakote for prevention of migraines in children or in adults over 65.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. An overdose of Depakote can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.