divalproex sodium

divalproex sodium, an anticonvulsant drug used to treat epilepsy and seizures, controlling simple and complex absence seizures alone or in combination with other anticonvulsant drugs. It is also approved for the treatment of migraines. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed to prevent or reduce the number of seizures by decreasing the activity of nerve impulses in the brain and central nervous system. It is converted to valproic acid in the body. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: It should not be given to patients with an allergy to valproic acid, sodium valproate, or divalproex or to those with liver disease. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: The side effects most often reported include changes in appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, constipation, weakness, tiredness, clumsiness, drowsiness, or behavioral changes.