What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Depakote ER (Divalproex Sodium)?
In rare cases, divalproex sodium has caused life-threatening liver failure, especially in children younger than 2 years old. Children of this age may be at even greater risk for liver problems if they use more than one seizure medication, if they have a metabolic disorder, or if they have a brain disease causing mental impairment (such as Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, Huntington disease, multiple sclerosis, or a brain injury or infection). Divalproex sodium has also caused rare cases of life-threatening pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Pancreatitis can come on suddenly and symptoms may start even after you have been taking divalproex sodium for several years. Do not take divalproex sodium if you have liver disease or a urea cycle disorder. If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take divalproex sodium. a bleeding or blood clotting disorder a history of head injury, brain disorder, or coma a family history of a urea c
