Divalproex Sodium

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Apr 26, 2024

Side Effects


Divalproex Side Effects

Possible side effects of divalproex are listed below. Call your doctor for medical advice if they are severe or continue after a few days.

  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Changes in appetite and weight
  • Back pain
  • Mood swings 
  • Agitation
  • Thinking abnormalities
  • Uncontrolled shaking 
  • Trouble with coordination and walking
  • Uncontrolled movements of the eyes
  • Blurred vision or double vision
  • Hair loss
  • Ringing in the ears 

Divalproex can also cause more serious adverse effects. Tell your doctor right away or seek emergency medical attention if you develop:

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising (nosebleeds, bleeding gums, tiny purple/red spots in the skin)
  • Skin rash, hives, itching, blistering, or peeling
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Fever
  • Swollen glands
  • Tiredness
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Low body temperature
  • Joint swelling

The above list may not include all the potential side effects of divalproex. Contact your healthcare provider if your side effects are unusual or severe or do not get better over time. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Divalproex (Depakote ER) Overdose: In case of an overdose of divalproex, call your doctor immediately. You can also call your local poison control center or the national poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 if a person has collapsed, cannot breathe, cannot be awakened, or has had a seizure. Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, irregular heartbeat, and loss of consciousness.

Source: FDA