Depakote Sprinkle Caps Description

If you have been diagnosed with epilepsy, your doctor may prescribe Depakote Sprinkle Caps to be taken alone or with other anticonvulsant drugs. Epilepsy may involve partial seizures, which include simple and complex partial, or generalized seizures that are absence, myoclonic, or tonic clonic seizures.

Depakote Sprinkle Caps or generic Divalproex Sodium Delayed Release Capsules are only available in 125mg strength and can be swallowed whole or opened to sprinkle the contents on soft food and eat. This is especially helpful if the person taking this drug has difficulty swallowing medication. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Enjoy Being More in Control of Your Seizures

Although the mode of action for Depakote Sprinkle Caps has not been scientifically proven, it’s believed that it affects an important amino acid called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This is the second most prevalent neurotransmitter in your brain and is responsible for calming your excited nerve impulses. As the nerve cells in your brain start to fire rapidly, Depakote Sprinkle Caps increases the amount of GABA in your brain which calms down the neurons so a seizure cannot occur. Depakote Sprinkle Caps are not a cure for epilepsy, but you will be able to function without the fear of having a seizure and possibly injuring or embarrassing yourself or frightening anyone that witnesses it.

More Information About Types of Seizures

The type of seizure you have depends on where in your brain the excess activity is taking place. A simple partial seizure does not cause you to lose consciousness and could involve a short period of jerky body movements. A complex partial seizure can cause a loss or change of consciousness as you smack your lips, fumble, or pick at your clothes for 1 to 2 minutes and you may be confused or sleepy when it’s over.

Tonic clonic, or grand mal seizures are the most common type of generalized seizures. These usually begin with the tonic phase as your arms and legs stiffen, then progresses to the clonic phase where your muscles contract violently causing your limbs and face to jerk. There is a loss of consciousness and after the seizure has ended you may have a headache and be confused or sleepy.

Before You Take Depakote Sprinkle Caps

Ask your doctor about possible harmful effects if you take Depakote Sprinkle Caps while breast feeding, pregnant, or become pregnant during treatment. Discuss other medical conditions you have and list any OTC or Rx drugs you are taking, including herbal and vitamin supplements that could change how Depakote Sprinkle Caps work in your body.

Depakote Sprinkle Caps Precautions

Until you know how Depakote Sprinkle Caps will affect you, do not drive, operate machinery, or perform any task that requires you to be alert. Your skin may be more sensitive to UV rays so you should avoid sunlight and tanning beds. Tell your dentist or surgeon you are taking Depakote Sprinkle Caps before you undergo any medical or dental procedures.