Divalproex oral tablets: Side effects, dosage, uses, and more - Medical News Today

The dosage for divalproex oral tablets your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you're using divalproex oral tablets to treat
  • the type and severity of the side effects you have
  • other medications you're taking
  • your age
  • your weight

Typically, your doctor will start you taking a low dosage. Then they'll adjust it over time to reach the amount that's right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect. They'll also monitor the level of the drug in your blood to make sure you have the right amount of the drug in your system.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Drug strengths

Divalproex oral tables come in two forms:

  • delayed release (DR) tablets, which are called divalproex DR
  • extended release (ER) tablets, which are called divalproex ER

DR tablets are made with a special coating. This coating keeps the tablet from releasing the drug into your system before the tablet passes through your stomach. ER tablets, on the other hand, release the drug slowly into your body over time.

Divalproex DR oral tablets come in three strengths: 125 milligrams (mg), 250 mg, and 500 mg. Divalproex ER oral tablets come in two strengths: 250 mg and 500 mg.

Dosage for manic or mixed episodes related to bipolar disorder

Divalproex DR oral tablets are used to treat manic episodes related tobipolar disorder. Divalproex ER oral tablets can be used for both manic and mixed episodes related to bipolar disorder.

For these uses, the typical starting dosage of divalproex DR is 750 mg per day. The usual starting dosage of divalproex ER is 25 milligrams per kilogram* (mg/kg) of body weight per day. For example, a person who weighs 60 kg (about 132 pounds [lb]) would start by taking 1500 mg of divalproex ER per day. Your doctor will instruct you on when (and how often) you should take your dose.

The maximum recommended dosage of divalproex is the same for the DR and ER oral tablets: 60 mg/kg of body weight per day.

* 1 kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb).

Dosage for complex partial seizures, with or without other seizure types

Divalproex oral tablet is used to treat complex partial seizures that happen with or without other seizure types. For this purpose, divalproex may be used alone or with other antiepileptic drugs (the drug group divalproex belongs to).

For this use, the typical starting dosage is the same for divalproex DR and divalproex ER. You'll start by taking 10 to 15 mg/kg* of body weight each day. For example, a person who weighs 50 kg (about 110 lbs.) would start by taking 500 mg to 750 mg of divalproex each day. Your doctor will instruct you on when (and how often) you should take your dose.

The maximum recommended dosage of divalproex is the same for the DR and ER oral tablets: 60 mg/kg of body weight per day.

* 1 kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb).

Dosage for absence seizures, with or without other seizure types

Divalproex oral tablets are used to treat absence seizures that happen with or without other seizure types. For this purpose, divalproex may be used alone or with other antiepileptic drugs.

The usual starting dosage is the same for divalproex DR and divalproex ER. You'll start by taking 15 mg/kg* of body weight per day. For example, a person who weighs 50 kg (about 110 lb) would start by taking 750 mg of divalproex per day. Your doctor will instruct you on when (and how often) you should take your dose.

The maximum recommended dosage of divalproex is the same for the DR and ER oral tablets: 60 mg/kg of body weight per day.

* 1 kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb).

Dosage for migraine

Divalproex oral tablets are used to help prevent migraine in adults. For this use, the typical starting dosage of divalproex DR is 250 mg taken twice per day. The usual starting dosage of divalproex ER for this use is 500 mg taken once per day. The maximum recommended dosage of divalproex is the same for the DR and ER oral tablets: 1,000 mg per day.

Children's dosage

Divalproex can be used in children ages 10 years and older to treat complex partial seizures or absence seizures that happen with or without other seizure types. For this purpose, divalproex may be used alone or with other antiepileptic drugs. (Divalproex is a type of antiepileptic drug.)

For this use, the dosage of divalproex for children is the same as for adults. To learn more, see "Dosage for complex partial seizures, with or without other seizure types" and "Dosage for absence seizures, with or without other seizure types" above.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, just skip your missed dose and take your next dose at its usual time.

Don't take any extra doses of divalproex to make up for a missed dose. Doing so can raise your risk for side effects from divalproex.

To help make sure that you don't miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or timer on your phone or downloading a reminder app. A kitchen timer can work, too.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

Whether you'll use divalproex oral tablets short term or long term depends on the condition you're using the drug to treat.

For manic episodes related tobipolar disorder, you may use divalproex as a short-term treatment. After the symptoms of your manic episode have resolved, your doctor may switch you to a different drug for long-term use.

For its other uses, divalproex oral tablets are typically given as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that divalproex oral tablets are safe and effective for you, you'll likely take them long term.

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