Divalproex is a generic drug that’s prescribed for various conditions, including bipolar disorder, certain seizures, and more. As with other drugs, divalproex can cause side effects, such as abdominal pain and tremors.

Divalproex comes as an extended-release (ER) and delayed-release (DR) oral tablet. ER means the drug slowly releases its active ingredient into your system over a period of time. DR means the drug’s release is delayed until the tablet or capsule reaches your stomach. Divalproex also comes in a DR sprinkle capsule, but this article does not cover that form.

Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects of divalproex. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.

Divalproex has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Divalproex: Side effect specifics” section.

Divalproex can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took divalproex ER tablets and divalproex DR tablets in clinical trials:

Mild side effects can occur with divalproex use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to the prescribing information for divalproex ER tablets and divalproex DR tablets.

Mild side effects that have been reported with divalproex include:

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking divalproex and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

* For more information about this side effect, see “Divalproex: Side effect specifics.”

Divalproex may cause serious side effects. Some are more common, while others are rare. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to the prescribing information for divalproex ER tablets and divalproex DR tablets.

If you develop serious side effects while taking divalproex, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

  • eye problems, such as amblyopia (“lazy” eye) and blurry vision
  • low platelet levels, which may include symptoms such as:
    • petechiae (a tiny, flat rash that occurs due to bleeding under the skin)
    • bleeding gums
    • nosebleeds
  • memory problems
  • low body temperature, which may include symptoms such as:
    • tiredness
    • unclear speech
    • pale or dry skin
    • more frequent urination
    • shivering
    • fast heart rate
  • severe skin reaction, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • high levels of ammonia in the blood (Ammonia is a chemical your body makes when it breaks down protein.)
  • mental health side effects, such as depression and suicidal thoughts or behaviors
  • risk of liver problems*
  • risk of pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)*
  • risk of harm to an unborn fetus*

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics.”

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

  • Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
  • Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Divalproex oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction.

But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies of divalproex ER tablets and divalproex DR tablets.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to divalproex oral tablet, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Divalproex may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

What are the side effects of divalproex oral tablet in females?

In clinical trials of divalproex ER tablets and divalproex DR tablets, side effects occurred similarly in both females* and males.* But there’s a risk of harm to an unborn fetus in females who take divalproex. See the “Divalproex: Side effect specifics” section for more information.

If you have concerns about certain side effects from divalproex, talk with your doctor.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “female” and “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

How do the side effects of divalproex 250 milligrams (mg) and 500 mg compare?

The side effects were similar in clinical trials of divalproex ER tablets and divalproex DR tablets, regardless of the dose or strength of the medication taken. But in general, higher doses can increase your risk of certain side effects, such as liver problems and low platelet levels.

If you have concerns about your risk of side effects, given the dose you’re taking, talk with your doctor.

Can divalproex oral tablet cause sexual side effects?

It’s possible. There have been reports of sexual side effects in people taking divalproex after the drug was approved for use. This includes erectile dysfunction (ED). However, these side effects weren’t reported in clinical trials of divalproex ER tablets and divalproex DR tablets.

If you’re experiencing sexual side effects while taking divalproex, talk with your doctor. They can help determine if divalproex is the cause and recommend treatment, if needed.

Learn more about some of the side effects that divalproex may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for divalproex ER tablets and divalproex DR tablets.

Hair loss

Hair loss was a commonly reported side effect in studies of divalproex ER tablets and divalproex DR tablets.

In most cases, hair loss is temporary and will grow back after treatment.

What you can do

If you’re concerned about hair loss with divalproex, talk with your doctor. They can discuss the risks and benefits of taking the drug. They can also discuss alternative medications that may not have this side effect.

If you experience hair loss during treatment, talk with your doctor. They can discuss ways to manage this side effect.

Boxed warnings

Divalproex has boxed warnings for the risks of liver problems, pancreatitis, and harm to an unborn fetus. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Liver problems

Taking divalproex oral tablet can raise your risk of serious liver problems, including liver failure. This risk is highest during the first 6 months of treatment. People with mitochondrial disorders and children ages 2 years and younger are at higher risk of liver problems from divalproex. Note that divalproex oral tablets aren’t approved for use in children under the age of 2.

Due to this risk, your doctor will likely order blood tests to monitor your liver health before and periodically during treatment. They’ll also monitor you closely for symptoms of liver damage. These can include:

What you can do

If you have liver problems, tell your doctor before you start taking divalproex. If you develop any signs or symptoms of liver problems during treatment, contact your doctor right away.

Pancreatitis

Divalproex can also increase your risk of pancreatitis. In rare cases, this can lead to severe, life threatening bleeding. This side effect can happen at any time during treatment and even several years after use.

Symptoms of pancreatitis may include:

  • abdominal pain
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • loss of appetite
  • fever
What you can do

If you develop signs or symptoms of pancreatitis, tell your doctor right away. They’ll likely have you stop taking divalproex and switch you to another drug. If you’re found to have pancreatitis, they’ll likely also provide treatment for your condition.

Harm to an unborn fetus

Divalproex can cause harm to an unborn fetus, including problems with fetal development. Children exposed to divalproex during pregnancy may also have a higher risk of autism spectrum disorder and lower IQ scores.

Due to this risk, it’s recommended that you take birth control during divalproex treatment if you’re able to get pregnant. Your doctor likely won’t prescribe this drug if you’re of childbearing age and not taking birth control or if you’re already pregnant.

What you can do

Before starting divalproex treatment, tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking the drug, tell your doctor right away. They can discuss the risks and benefits of continuing treatment. They can also discuss alternative medications that may be safer for you.

You can also consider enrolling in a pregnancy registry. This registry helps collect information about how this drug can affect pregnancy. To enroll, call 888-233-2334 or visit the registry website.

Below is important information you should consider before taking Divalproex.

Divalproex has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Divalproex: Side effect specifics” section.

Other precautions

Before taking Divalproex, discuss your health history with your doctor. Divalproex may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

  • urea cycle disorder (problems clearing urea from the body)
  • problems with digestion
  • mitochondrial disorder
  • previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug
  • pregnancy
  • breastfeeding
  • alcohol consumption

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.