DICORATE ER 500 TABLET

🧠⚡💊 Divalproex 500mg Tablet: Broad-Spectrum Antiepileptic & Mood Stabilizer

Divalproex 500mg is a prescription medication commonly used for the treatment of epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and migraine prophylaxis. It is a combination of sodium valproate and valproic acid, designed to enhance gastrointestinal tolerability and sustained drug release. Divalproex belongs to the class of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and also acts as a mood stabilizer, making it a versatile treatment option in both neurological and psychiatric conditions.

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🔬 Mechanism of Action

Once ingested, Divalproex dissociates into valproate ions, which exert therapeutic effects through multiple pathways:

• Increases gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the brain, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that calms overactive nerve signals

• Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels, stabilizing neural activity

• Inhibits T-type calcium channels, especially useful in absence seizures

• Regulates mood and neuronal excitability

These combined actions make Divalproex effective for controlling seizures, mania, and migraine headaches.

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📌 Indications and Uses

Divalproex 500mg is indicated for the following conditions:

🔹 Epilepsy

• Partial seizures

• Generalized tonic-clonic seizures

• Absence seizures (especially effective)

• Mixed seizure types

🔹 Bipolar Disorder

• Treatment of acute manic or mixed episodes

• Maintenance therapy for bipolar mood stabilization

🔹 Migraine Prophylaxis

• Used to prevent frequent or severe migraine attacks (not for acute treatment)

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💊 Dosage and Administration

• Dose varies by condition and patient response:

  • Epilepsy: Usually started at 10–15 mg/kg/day, gradually increased

  • Bipolar disorder: Initial dose around 750mg/day, adjusted as needed

  • Migraine prevention: Starting dose often 500mg/day, may be increased

• Taken once or twice daily, preferably with food to reduce GI upset

• Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets

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⚠️ Precautions and Warnings

• Black Box Warnings for:

  • Hepatotoxicity (especially in children under 2 years)

  • Pancreatitis

  • Fetal risk: Causes serious birth defects (e.g., neural tube defects)

• Not recommended in:

  • Pregnant women (unless no alternatives)

  • Patients with liver disease

• Requires regular monitoring of:

  • Liver function tests (LFTs)

  • Serum valproate levels

  • Platelet count (due to bleeding risk)

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🤒 Side Effects

Common:

• Nausea, vomiting

• Drowsiness or dizziness

• Weight gain

• Tremors

• Hair thinning or loss

• Menstrual irregularities

Serious:

• Liver damage

• Pancreatitis

• Suicidal thoughts

• Thrombocytopenia (low platelets)

• Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling)

Seek immediate help if experiencing abdominal pain, yellowing of skin/eyes, or unusual bruising/bleeding.

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🔄 Drug Interactions

• Increased risk of toxicity with:

  • Lamotrigine (may increase levels)

  • Aspirin (may displace from protein binding)

• May reduce levels of oral contraceptives

• Use caution with other CNS depressants

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🧊 Storage Instructions

• Store at 15–30°C

• Keep in original packaging, away from moisture and heat

• Keep out of reach of children

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📝 Conclusion

Divalproex 500mg tablet is a multi-functional medication effective in treating seizures, bipolar mania, and migraine prevention. With its broad mechanism of action and flexible dosing, it offers reliable symptom control. However, due to potential serious side effects, careful monitoring and medical supervision are essential for safe and effective use.