Can Divalproex be used for sleep?
Both sleepiness and insomnia (trouble sleeping) are possible side effects of the drug. So it’s possible that divalproex may help you sleep. But the drug may also keep you awake.
What does Divalproex do to the brain?
Divalproex sodium works by increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. The body produces GABA naturally. It is a chemical neurotransmitter — or brain messenger. Faster than normal electrical impulses in the brain can cause erratic impulses.
What is Divalproex used for in mental health?
What is Depakote? Depakote is a medication known as an anticonvulsant that is used to treat the manic symptoms of bipolar disorder. It is also used to treat seizures and prevent migraine headaches.
Is Divalproex used for anxiety?
Epilepsy: Its primary use lies in treating simple and complex partial epileptic seizures. Panic disorders: Divalproex has been used successfully in the treatment of panic and anxiety disorders. It also helps to stabilize mood swings in people with behavioral instability.
Does Depakote lower BP?
Depakote (divalproex) is good for long-term prevention of seizures, manic episodes in bipolar disorder, and migraines. Lowers blood pressure and controls heart rate. Inderal (Propranolol) is good for treating many heart problems and other problems in the body, but it has more side effects than other beta blockers.
Should I take Depakote ER in the morning or at night?
Q: What time of day should I take Depakote? A: You should take Depakote at a time of day when you can best remember to take it consistently—for instance, in the morning with breakfast or in the evening before you go to bed.
Can divalproex cause memory loss?
Conclusions: Divalproex treatment was associated with accelerated brain volume loss over 1 year and perhaps with greater cognitive impairment. The long-term clinical effects of these changes are not known.
What happens if I stop taking divalproex?
A: Do not stop taking Depakote without first talking to your doctor. Stopping Depakote suddenly can cause serious problems, including seizures that do not stop (also known as “status epilepticus”). Please see Full Prescribing Information with Medication Guide for the complete list of side effects.
Is Depakote a happy pill?
Valproate is a mood stabilizer medication that works in the brain. It is approved for the treatment of mania associated with bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression), seizures (epilepsy), and migraine headaches.
Does Depakote affect the heart?
Depakote (divalproex) is good for long-term prevention of seizures, manic episodes in bipolar disorder, and migraines. Lowers blood pressure and controls heart rate.