Depakote ER Side Effects

Drowsiness, indigestion or heartburn, and nausea are among the most common side effects seen with Depakote ER. Problems that are less common (occurring in less than 5 percent of people taking the drug) can include high blood pressure, constipation, and insomnia. Certain side effects -- such as depression, signs of liver damage, or yellowing of the skin -- are more serious and should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately.

Depakote ER Drug Information

An Introduction to Depakote ER Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Depakote ER^® (divalproex ER); however, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Depakote ER quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.

(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Depakote ER. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of side effects with you.)

Common Side Effects With Depakote ER

Depakote ER has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and are then compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.

In these studies, some of the most common side effects of Depakote ER included:

Drowsiness -- in up to 26 percent of people
Indigestion or heartburn -- up to 23 percent
Nausea -- up to 19 percent
Infections -- up to 15 percent
Vomiting -- up to 13 percent.

Some other common side effects, occurring in 6 percent to 12 percent of people, included:

Diarrhea
Dizziness
Pain
Abdominal pain (or stomach pain)
Accidental injury
Weakness
A sore throat.

(Depakote ER Side Effects Continued: Page 2)