Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Divalproex Sodium as follows:
- Do not take divalproex sodium with alcohol or opioid pain medications, such as, hydrocodone and codeine, as they can further contribute to the dizziness caused by the medication, thus compromising safety. A number of OTC cough medications, antihistamines, and antianxiety medications, also can cause drowsiness upon intake and must be avoided taking along with divalproex. Also, divalproex use can result in damage to the liver and hepatotoxicity, which can be enhanced by concomitant intake of alcohol.
- Divalproex can interact with a lot of other medications, thus influencing metabolism and therapeutic benefits of self. Concomitant administration of drugs like phenytoin and carbamazepine can result in the induction of some liver enzymes, which leads to increased metabolism of divalproex. Increased metabolism of divalproex by these enzymes will quickly reduce the blood levels of divalproex, thus compromising the therapeutic benefit of the medication. Discuss with your physician regarding all your medications and their safety with divalproex.
