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Divalproex sodium (valproate) 500 mg (extended release): uses, price & cheaper substitutes

Prescription required (Schedule H)

Common uses: Epilepsy – generalised and focal seizures, alone or with other medicines; Bipolar disorder – treating mania and preventing mood episodes.

Listed MRPs range from ₹6.09 to ₹29.66 per tablet across 8 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.

Price comparison

BrandManufacturerPackMRP₹ / tabletAs on
Divalproex Prolonged release Tablets IP 500mgJan AushadhiJan Aushadhi (PMBJP)10₹60.94₹6.0919 October 2026
Desval ER 500Eris Lifesciences Ltd10₹199.73₹19.9719 October 2026
Divaa OD 500Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd15₹308.60₹20.5719 October 2026
Dicorate ER 500Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd10₹225.00₹22.5019 October 2026
Trend XR 500Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd10₹227.55₹22.7619 October 2026
Valkem-OD 500Alkem Laboratories Ltd10₹245.40₹24.5419 October 2026
Valance OD 500Abbott15₹420.53₹28.0419 October 2026
Depakote XR 500Sanofi India Ltd15₹444.84₹29.6619 October 2026

MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.

Uses

  • Epilepsy – generalised and focal seizures, alone or with other medicines.
  • Bipolar disorder – treating mania and preventing mood episodes.
  • Preventing migraine attacks in people who get frequent migraines (not for stopping an attack that has started).

How to take it

Take the extended-release (ER/OD) tablet once a day at the same time, usually in the evening, with or after food to reduce stomach upset. Swallow it whole with water – do not crush, chew or split, as that destroys the slow-release coating and releases the whole dose at once. Your doctor starts low and raises the dose over weeks, with blood tests for liver function and sometimes valproate levels. Never stop suddenly, as this can cause severe seizures. Women and girls must discuss contraception and pregnancy plans before starting.

Side effects

Common

  • Nausea, stomach pain or indigestion.
  • Sleepiness or tiredness.
  • Tremor (shaky hands).
  • Weight gain and increased appetite.
  • Hair thinning.

Serious

Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.

  • Liver damage, most likely in the first 6 months – extreme tiredness, vomiting, yellow eyes, dark urine.
  • Pancreatitis – severe stomach pain spreading to the back with vomiting.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding, or small red spots on the skin (low platelets).
  • New or worsening depression or thoughts of self-harm.
  • Confusion, unusual drowsiness or low body temperature (high ammonia).

Safety information

Alcohol

Avoid alcohol. It adds to drowsiness and liver strain and can trigger seizures.

Pregnancy

Causes serious birth defects and learning problems in the baby. Girls and women who can become pregnant should take it only if nothing else works, with effective contraception, and must tell their doctor immediately if pregnant. Discuss breastfeeding with your doctor.

Kidney problems

Dose may need lowering in severe kidney disease; tell your doctor.

Liver problems

Not used if you have active liver disease. Liver tests are checked before and during treatment, especially in the first 6 months.

Children

Used in children for epilepsy, but the liver risk is highest in children under 2 and in those on several epilepsy medicines; strictly under a specialist.

Missed dose

Take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is nearly due – then skip it. Never take two doses together.

Interactions

  • Aspirin (Ecosprin) – raises valproate levels; avoid regular use without advice.
  • Carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital – lower valproate levels; the combination needs monitoring.
  • Lamotrigine – valproate doubles its levels and raises the risk of a serious rash; dose must be adjusted.
  • Meropenem and other carbapenem antibiotics – drop valproate levels sharply; seizures can return.
  • Topiramate – more risk of confusion from high ammonia.
  • Sleeping tablets, alcohol and sedating antihistamines – more drowsiness.

Frequently asked questions

When should I take Divaa OD 500?

Once a day at the same time, usually after dinner. Taking it with food reduces nausea, and an evening dose means most of the drowsiness happens while you sleep.

Can I break or crush Divaa OD 500?

No. OD/ER/XR tablets release the medicine slowly over 24 hours. Breaking them releases the full dose at once, causing side effects and a gap later in the day.

Divaa OD vs Valparin Chrono – what is the difference?

Divaa OD contains divalproex sodium; Valparin Chrono contains sodium valproate plus valproic acid. Both turn into valproate in the body and both are once-daily slow-release forms. Do not swap between brands without your doctor.

Can I take Divaa OD 500 with alcohol?

Avoid alcohol. It increases drowsiness and liver strain and lowers your seizure threshold.

Is Divaa OD safe in pregnancy?

No. Valproate carries a high risk of birth defects and developmental problems. Women of child-bearing age should use effective contraception and discuss alternatives with their neurologist or psychiatrist before pregnancy.

Does Divaa OD cause weight gain?

Weight gain and increased appetite are common. Watch your diet and stay active; tell your doctor if the gain is large, as other options exist for some conditions.

Which blood tests are needed on Valance OD?

Liver function tests and platelet count before starting and periodically, especially in the first 6 months. Your doctor may also check valproate levels if seizures are not controlled.

Can I take Divaa OD 500 for migraine?

Divalproex is used to prevent frequent migraines, not to stop an attack. It takes a few weeks to show benefit and should only be prescribed by a doctor who has reviewed your other conditions.

What if I miss a dose of Dicorate ER 500?

Take it when you remember unless the next dose is within a few hours; then skip it. Never take a double dose – missed doses matter, so set an alarm.

Sources

Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated

This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms