Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Divalproex as follows:
General allergic reactions
- Divalproex use can result in general allergic reactions, such as, skin rashes, hives, and itching.
- Some patients can present with symptoms of severe allergic and anaphylactic response with divalproex, such as, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, throat, and tongue, with consequent difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical help for such findings, especially with difficulty breathing, for any appropriate measures to be considered.
Cardiovascular side-effects
- Divalproex carries the risk of lowering the blood pressure. Hypotension, secondary to divalproex intake, can lead to episodes of confusion and dizziness, thus increasing the risk for fall and accidents.
- Divalproex intake also carries the risk of causing and/or aggravating altered cardiac rhythms, leading to severe debility and death. Individuals can present with episodes of chest pain, slow ineffective heartbeat, palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
