Divalproex Sodium Dr | Divalproex Sodium Tablet, Delayed Release Breastfeeding

American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical experts exclusively recommend to breastfeed the baby for first 6 months. Once you introduce baby to other foods it is recommended to breastfeed for at least first year of babys life. Taking medication while breastfeeding could be tricky as most drugs pass in breast milk. In this article we will evaluate Divalproex Sodium Dr | Divalproex Sodium Tablet, Delayed Release for its safety in breastfeeding.

What is Divalproex Sodium Dr | Divalproex Sodium Tablet, Delayed Release used for?


Mania Divalproex sodium delayed-release tablets are indicated for the treatment of the manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. A manic episode is a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood. Typical symptoms of mania include pressure of speech, motor hyperactivity, reduced need for sleep, flight of ideas, grandiosity, poor judgement, aggressiveness, and possible hostility. The efficacy of divalproex sodium delayed-release tablets was established in 3-week trials with patients meeting DSMIII-R criteria for bipolar disorder who were hospitalized for acute mania (See Clinical Trials under CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ). The safety and effectiveness of divalproex sodium delayed-release tablets for long-term use in mania, i.e., more than 3 weeks, has not been systematically evaluated in controlled clinical trials. Therefore, physicians who elect to use divalproex sodium delayed-release tablets for extended periods should continually reevaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient. Epilepsy Divalproex sodium delayed-release tablets are indicated as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy in the treatment of patients with complex partial seizures that occur either in isolation or in association with other types of seizures. Divalproex sodium delayed-release tablets are also indicated for use as sole and adjunctive therapy in the treatment of simple and complex absence seizures, and adjunctively in patients with multiple seizure types that include absence seizures. Simple absence is defined as very brief clouding of the sensorium or loss of consciousness accompanied by certain generalized epileptic discharges without other detectable clinical signs. Complex absence is the term used when other signs are also present. Migraine Divalproex sodium delayed-release tablets are indicated for prophylaxis of migraine headaches. There is no evidence that Divalproex sodium delayed-release tablets are useful in the acute treatment of migraine headaches. Because valproic acid may be a hazard to the fetus, divalproex sodium delayed-release tablets should be considered for women of childbearing potential only after this risk has been thoroughly discussed with the patient and weighed against the potential benefits of treatment (see WARNINGS - Usage In Pregnancy, PRECAUTIONS - Information for Patients ). SEE WARNINGS FOR STATEMENT REGARDING FATAL HEPATIC DYSFUNCTION.

Can I continue breastfeeding if I am using Divalproex Sodium Dr | Divalproex Sodium Tablet, Delayed Release? How long does it stays in breast milk?

Divalproex Sodium Dr | Divalproex Sodium Tablet, Delayed Release safe for breastfeeding
Active ingredient in Divalproex Sodium Dr | Divalproex Sodium Tablet, Delayed Release is Valproic acid and based on our analysis of Valproic acid it appears that using Divalproex Sodium Dr | Divalproex Sodium Tablet, Delayed Release is safe in breastfeeding. Below is analysis of Valproic acid while breastfeeding.

Statement of Manufacturer/Labeler about breastfeeding usage
Nursing Mothers Valproate is excreted in breast milk. Concentrations in breast milk have been reported to be 1- 10% of serum concentrations. It is not known what effect this would have on a nursing infant. Consideration should be given to discontinuing nursing when divalproe sodium is administered to a nursing woman.

Divalproex Sodium Dr | Divalproex Sodium Tablet, Delayed Release Breastfeeding Analsys


Valproic acid while Breastfeeding

Safe

CAS Number: 99-66-1

It is excreted in breast milk in clinically non-significant amount without problems in the short or long term in infants whose mothers were treated. Plasma levels of these infants were undetectable or very low. Cognitive development did not suffer any alteration. An infant was presented with thrombocytopenic purpura and anemia who recovered after removing valproate in the mother. However, doubts were raised on whether it was instead a post-viral reaction that led to idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. The administration of valproic acid does not affect prolactin levels. The American Academy of Pediatrics rates it as usual compatible with breastfeeding medication.WHO List of Essential Medicines 2002: compatible with breastfeeding.

Divalproex Sodium Dr | Divalproex Sodium Tablet, Delayed Release Breastfeeding Analsys - 2


Valproic acid while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 99-66-1

Is Divalproex Sodium Dr | Divalproex Sodium Tablet, Delayed Release safe while breastfeeding

Breastfeeding during valproic acid monotherapy does not appear to adversely affect infant growth or development, and breastfed infants had higher IQs and enhanced verbal abilities than nonbreastfed infants at 6 years of age in one study.[1] If valproic acid is required by the mother, it is not necessarily a reason to discontinue breastfeeding. Because of the low levels of valproic acid in breastmilk and infant serum, no definite adverse reactions to valproic acid during breastfeeding have been reported. Theoretically, breastfed infants are at risk for valproic acid-induced hepatotoxicity, so infants should be monitored for jaundice and other signs of liver damage during maternal therapy. A questionable case of thrombocytopenia has been reported, so monitor the infant for unusual bruising or bleeding. One author recommends monitoring infant serum valproate levels, platelets and liver enzymes during therapy.[1] Combination therapy with sedating anticonvulsants or psychotropics may result in infant sedation or withdrawal reactions.

Divalproex Sodium Dr | Divalproex Sodium Tablet, Delayed Release safe for breastfeeding

I already used Divalproex Sodium Dr | Divalproex Sodium Tablet, Delayed Release and meanwhile I breastfed my baby should I be concerned?

It is always a good idea to keep your healthcare provider or doctor informed about your drug usage during pregnancy and breastfeeding but if you have not informed your doctor about Divalproex Sodium Dr | Divalproex Sodium Tablet, Delayed Release and have used it then do not panic as Divalproex Sodium Dr | Divalproex Sodium Tablet, Delayed Release is mostly safe in breastfeeding and should not cause any harm to your baby.


My doctor has prescribed me Divalproex Sodium Dr | Divalproex Sodium Tablet, Delayed Release, what should I do?

Definitely, Divalproex Sodium Dr | Divalproex Sodium Tablet, Delayed Release is safe in lactation for baby. No wonder your doctor has recommended it.


If I am using Divalproex Sodium Dr | Divalproex Sodium Tablet, Delayed Release, will my baby need extra monitoring?

No extra baby monitoring required while mother is using Divalproex Sodium Dr | Divalproex Sodium Tablet, Delayed Release


Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Divalproex Sodium Dr | Divalproex Sodium Tablet, Delayed Release in breastfeeding?

US
National Womens Health and Breastfeeding Helpline: 800-994-9662 (TDD 888-220-5446) 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday

UK
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300-100-0212 9.30am to 9.30pm, daily
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers: 0300-330-5453
La Leche League: 0345-120-2918
The Breastfeeding Network supporter line in Bengali and Sylheti: 0300-456-2421
National Childbirth Trust (NCT): 0300-330-0700

Australia
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 1800-686-268 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Canada
Telehealth Ontario for breastfeeding: 1-866-797-0000 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Drug Brands with same Active ingredients

Divalproex Sodium Er | Divalproex Sodium Tablet, Film Coated, Extended Release
Depakote | Divalproex Sodium Tablet, Delayed Release
Depakote Sprinkles | Divalproex Sodium Capsule
Depakene | Valproic Acid Capsule
Divalproex Sodium Delayed Release (sprinkle) | Divalproex Sodium Capsule