Divaa 500 Mg Tablet (15 Tab)

DIVAA 500 MG TABLET

DIVAA 500 MG TABLET is an anticonvulsant medication manufactured by Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd..

Name

• Brand Name: DIVAA 500 MG TABLET
• Common Name: Divalproex (often referred to as Divalproex sodium)

Composition

Each tablet contains 500 mg of Divalproex (as Divalproex sodium) as its active ingredient.

Uses

DIVAA 500 MG TABLET is primarily used for the management of various neurological and psychiatric conditions:

• Epilepsy and Seizures: It is prescribed to control and prevent seizures in epilepsy, including complex partial seizures, simple and complex absence seizures, and other seizure types. It can be used as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy.
• Bipolar Disorder: The medicine is used to manage manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, helping to stabilize mood and reduce agitation.
• Migraine Prophylaxis: It is also used as a prophylactic measure to prevent migraine headaches, minimizing their frequency and severity.

Dosage and Administration

The dosage and frequency of DIVAA 500 MG TABLET are determined by a doctor based on the patient's medical condition and response to treatment. It can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may help reduce nausea and vomiting. Tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed, broken, or chewed. It is crucial to take the medicine regularly at the same time each day for consistent blood levels and not to stop it abruptly, as this may worsen seizures or symptoms.

Side Effects

Common side effects of DIVAA 500 MG TABLET may include:

• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation
• Dizziness, drowsiness, and weakness or fatigue
• Headache
• Hair loss
• Weight gain

Serious, though rare, side effects can include liver problems, unusual bleeding, severe allergic reactions, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Patients should consult their doctor if side effects persist or worsen.

Precautions

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: DIVAA 500 MG TABLET is generally not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the developing baby and should be used with caution while breastfeeding. Effective contraception is advised for women of childbearing age.
• Liver Disease: The medicine should be used with extreme caution or avoided in patients with liver problems or a history of liver disease, as it can cause liver damage. Regular liver function tests are recommended, especially during the initial 6 months of treatment.
• Alcohol Consumption: Avoid alcohol intake while on this medication as it may increase drowsiness and dizziness.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Due to potential side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, patients should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until they know how the medicine affects them.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, as some can interact with Divalproex, affecting its efficacy or increasing side effects. Notable interactions include salicylates, carbapenem antibiotics, cholesterol-lowering medications, and some antidepressants.
• Other Conditions: Use with caution in patients with kidney problems, urea cycle disorders, pancreatitis, blood problems, or suicidal tendencies.

Storage

Store DIVAA 500 MG TABLET in a dry place at room temperature, preferably below 30°C. Keep it away from direct sunlight, moisture, and out of the reach of children. Always ensure the medicine is used before its expiry date.

What is DIVAA 500 MG Tablet used for?

DIVAA 500 MG Tablet, containing divalproex sodium, is primarily used to manage epilepsy and various types of seizures, including complex partial seizures, simple and complex absence seizures, and other seizure types. It is also prescribed to control manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder and for the prevention of migraine headaches.

How does DIVAA 500 MG Tablet work?

DIVAA 500 MG Tablet works by increasing the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps reduce neuronal excitability, which aids in controlling seizures and stabilizing mood. Additionally, it blocks voltage-gated sodium channels and inhibits T-type calcium channels in the brain, further reducing abnormal electrical activity.

What is the usual dosage of DIVAA 500 MG Tablet?

The dosage of DIVAA 500 MG Tablet is highly individualized and determined by your doctor based on your condition and response to treatment. For epilepsy, the typical starting dose is 10 to 15 mg/kg/day, which can be gradually increased. For migraine prevention, a common starting dose is 500 mg once daily for one week, potentially increasing to 1000 mg once daily. It should be swallowed whole with a glass of water, and not crushed or chewed. It can be taken with or without food.

What are the possible side effects of DIVAA 500 MG Tablet?

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, hair loss, headache, weight gain, and tremors. More serious, but rare, side effects can include liver damage (especially in children under 2 and during the first 6 months of treatment), pancreatitis, suicidal thoughts or actions, low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), high ammonia levels (hyperammonemia), low body temperature (hypothermia), and severe allergic reactions. Long-term use may also lead to osteoporosis.

Is DIVAA 500 MG Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

DIVAA 500 MG Tablet is generally not recommended during pregnancy due to a significant risk of serious birth defects, including neural tube defects, and potential impact on the baby's IQ. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception while taking this medicine. During breastfeeding, small quantities of the medicine can pass into breast milk, so it should be used with caution and only if recommended by your doctor.

Can DIVAA 500 MG Tablet be taken with other medications?

DIVAA 500 MG Tablet can interact with various medications. It's crucial to inform your doctor about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and herbal preparations you are taking. Interactions can lead to increased side effects (e.g., with aspirin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, certain antidepressants) or reduced effectiveness of DIVAA or other medications (e.g., with carbapenem antibiotics, oral contraceptives). It can also increase the effects of some drugs like warfarin and lamotrigine, the latter potentially causing serious skin reactions.

What precautions should be taken while taking DIVAA 500 MG Tablet?

Precautions include avoiding or using with caution if you have liver disease, and regular liver function tests are recommended. Caution is also advised for individuals with kidney problems, pancreatitis, blood disorders, urea cycle disorders, mitochondrial disorders, porphyria, systemic lupus erythematosus, or DRESS syndrome. Alcohol consumption should be avoided as it can increase drowsiness and other side effects. Due to potential dizziness and drowsiness, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you. It's important not to stop taking DIVAA 500 MG Tablet abruptly, as this can worsen seizures or lead to a recurrence of symptoms. Monitor for any changes in mood or behavior, including suicidal thoughts, and report them to your doctor.

What happens if a dose of DIVAA 500 MG Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose of DIVAA 500 MG Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should DIVAA 500 MG Tablet be stored?

DIVAA 500 MG Tablet should be stored in a dry place at room temperature, ideally below 30°C. Keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture, and always out of the reach of children. Ensure the tablet is used before its expiry date.

Can DIVAA 500 MG Tablet cause weight gain?

Yes, weight gain is a possible side effect of DIVAA 500 MG Tablet. Maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise can help manage this effect.