How does Apo-Divalproex work? What will it do for me?
Apo-Divalproex 會產生什麼作用以及對我造成什麼影響?
Divalproex belongs to the family of medications called anticonvulsants. It is used tomanage and control of certain types of seizures(癲癇). It can be used alone or in combination with other seizure control medications. It is also used for people 18 years of age and older with manic depression (bipolar disorder) to treat manic(躁症) episodes.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use Apo-Divalproex?
The recommended adult dose of divalproex to treat seizures is based on weight and the final dose is determined by control of seizures with minimal side effects. The recommended initial dosage is 15 mg per kg of body weight per day. Your doctor may then suggest increasing at one-week intervals by 5 to 10 mg per kg of body weight per day until seizures are controlled or side effects prevent further increases. The maximum recommended dosage is 60 mg per kg of body weight per day.
When taken to treat manic episodes, the starting dose is 250 mg 3 times daily.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
When the dose of divalproex increases above 250 mg per day, it should be taken in divided doses.
The tablets should be swallowed whole and can be taken with or without food. This medication should not be stopped suddenly due to the possibility of a rebound major seizure.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does Apo-Divalproex come in?
125 mg
Each red, oval, biconvex, enteric-coated tablet, engraved "APO" on one side and "125" on the other, contains divalproex sodium equivalent to valproic acid 125 mg.Nonmedicinal ingredients: FD&C Red No. 30 Aluminum Lake, eudragit, FD&C Yellow No. 6, guar gum, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methacrylic acid copolymer dispersion, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, talc, titanium dioxide, and triethyl citrate.
250 mg
Each peach, oval, biconvex, enteric-coated tablet, engraved "APO" on one side and "250" on the other, contains divalproex sodium equivalent to valproic acid 250 mg.Nonmedicinal ingredients: eudragit, FD&C Yellow No. 6, guar gum, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methacrylic acid copolymer dispersion, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, talc, titanium dioxide, and triethyl citrate.
500 mg
Each pink, oval, biconvex, enteric-coated tablet, engraved "APO" on one side and "500" on the other, contains divalproex sodium equivalent to valproic acid 500 mg.Nonmedicinal ingredients: FD&C Red No. 33, eudragit, guar gum, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methacrylic acid copolymer dispersion, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, red ferric oxide (orange shade), talc, titanium dioxide, and triethyl citrate.
Who should NOT take Apo-Divalproex?
Do not take divalproex if you:
- are allergic to valproic acid, divalproex, or any ingredients of the medication
- have been diagnosed with a urea cycle disorder
- have liver disease or a significant reduction in liver function
What side effects(副作用) are possible with Apo-Divalproex?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- abdominal or stomach cramps (mild)
- change in menstrual periods
- clumsiness or unsteadiness
- constipation or diarrhea
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- dry eyes
- dry skin
- ear pain
- eye pain
- flatulence (gas)
| - hair loss
- headache
- indigestion or heartburn
- loss of appetite
- nausea and vomiting
- skin rash
- trembling of hands and arms
- unusual excitement, restlessness, or irritability
- unusual weight loss or gain
|
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- continuous, uncontrolled "back and forth" or rolling eye movements
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there)
- increase in seizures
- signs of bleeding, e.g.:
- blood in urine
- bloody nose
- coughing blood
- cuts that don't stop bleeding
- signs of depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide) or other mood changes
- signs of fluid retention (e.g., rapid weight gain and swelling of face or extremities)
- signs of liver problems, e.g.:
- dark urine
- diarrhea
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- pale stools
- vomiting
- weight loss
- yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
- signs of pancreatitis, e.g.
- abdominal pain on the upper left side
- back pain
- chills
- fever
- nausea
- rapid heartbeat
- swollen abdomen
- unexplained tiredness and weakness
- vision changes (e.g., blurred vision, double-vision, spots before eyes)
Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- severe skin reactions on a large area of the body or on the lips (e.g., ulcers, blisters, pain, redness, skin peeling)
- signs of a serious allergic reaction (i.e., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting , or swelling of the face and throat)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
資料來源:
http://chealth.canoe.ca/drug_info_details.asp?channel_id=0&relation_id=0&brand_name_id=1077&page_no=1
http://www.ttpc.doh.gov.tw/?aid=404&pid=0&page_name=list&pageNo=7&print=1
國軍花蓮總醫院
