Divalproex Nursing Considerations, Side Effects, and Mechanism of Action Pharmacology for Nurses

Grab our free cheatsheet covering the 50 most commonly prescribed medications right here: http://NURSING.com/50meds Listen to all the episodes at: https://www.NURSING.com/medmaster-pod... View the blog post here: https://www.NURSING.com/divalproex-de... Divalproex (valproic acid derivative) Generic Name: divalproex Trade Name: Depakote Indication: seizures, manic episodes, prevention of headache Action: increases the level of GABA (inhibitory neurotransmitter) in CNS Therapeutic Class: Anticonvulsant, vascular headache suppressants Pharmacologic Class: none Nursing Considerations:  may cause suicidal thoughts, agitation, dizziness, insomnia, hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis  increases risk for bleeding with Warfarin  use caution with MAOIs  monitor liver function tests