Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

-sodium phenylbutyrate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

-aspirin
-certain antibiotics like ertapenem, imipenem, meropenem
-certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
-certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, clonazepam, diazepam, ethosuximide, felbamate, lamotrigine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, rufinamide, topiramate
-certain medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin
-cholestyramine
-female hormones, like estrogens and birth control pills, patches, or rings
-propofol
-rifampin
-ritonavir
-tolbutamide
-zidovudine

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

-if you often drink alcohol
-kidney disease
-liver disease
-low platelet counts
-mitochondrial disease
-suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
-urea cycle disorder (UCD)
-an unusual or allergic reaction to divalproex sodium, sodium valproate, valproic acid, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding

Tell your doctor or health care provider if your symptoms do not get better or they start to get worse.

This medicine may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medicine. Contact your health care provider right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain, and carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medicine and dosage times.

You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Patients and their families should watch out for new or worsening depression or thoughts of suicide. Also watch out for sudden changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose, call your health care provider.

Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist for more information. Women who become pregnant while using this medicine may enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-888-233-2334. This registry collects information about the safety of antiepileptic drug use during pregnancy.

This medicine may cause a decrease in folic acid and vitamin D. You should make sure that you get enough vitamins while you are taking this medicine. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your health care provider.

Keep out of reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.