Dicorate ER 250 Tablet

Dicorate ER 250 tablet contains divalproex sodium as its active ingredient. It is used to treat fits and certain symptoms like mood swings and aggressiveness associated with Bipolar disorder. This medicine is also used as a supportive treatment for migraine.

It should be taken as directed by the doctor and in doses and duration as prescribed, with or without food. This medicine should not be used in pregnant women and lactating mothers. You may experience side effects like headache, nausea, vomiting, shakiness, sleepiness and skin rashes while on treatment with this medicine.

Most of them are temporary, but if you feel the side effects persist or your condition worsens, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Dosage

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may be headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, muscle weakness, lack of consciousness, breathing problems, fits, confusion, memory loss and unusual behaviour. Seek urgent medical help if you feel you have taken Dicorate ER 250 tablet in excess.

Missed a Dose

In case you’ve missed any dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Avoid taking a double dose to compensate for the missed dose.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

This medicine contains Divalproex sodium as its main ingredient. It stimulates a specific pathway in the nervous system and increases a substance known as GABA. This results in reducing the rapid, repetitive and jerking movements during fits. It also helps to reduce symptoms associated with bipolar disorder and migraine.

Directions for Use

• Take Dicorate ER 250 tablet instructed by your doctor.
• This medicine should be swallowed whole and should not be crushed or chewed.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Dicorate ER 250 tablet during pregnancy?

Dicorate ER 250 tablet must not be taken during pregnancy as it is unsafe and may cause harm to the unborn baby. If you get pregnant or think you may be pregnant while on treatment with this medicine, immediately contact your doctor. For women of childbearing age, you should discuss with your physician the importance of birth control methods and potential hazards to the unborn baby as it may cause some serious birth defects.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Dicorate ER 250 tablet while breastfeeding?

This medicine passes into breast milk, thus a decision should be made to either discontinue breastfeeding or treatment with Dicorate ER 250 tablet after assessing the benefits over risks.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Dicorate ER 250 tablet?

You should avoid or be cautious while driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery as Dicorate ER 250 tablet may make you feel dizzy and sleepy.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Dicorate ER 250 tablet?

You should avoid consuming alcohol while taking Dicorate ER 250 tablet, as it may worsen the side effects of this medicine.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have suicidal thoughts, unusual changes in mood or behaviour, worsening depression. Immediately contact your doctor.
• Your convulsions have worsened.
• You have diabetes.
• You have gained a lot of weight.
• You have problems with your liver or kidneys.
• You are suffering from a pancreas problem like swelling or inflammation in the pancreas.
• You are suffering from a brain disease or any metabolic condition that is affecting your brain.
• You suffer from a condition known as urea cycle disorder.
• You are suffering from a long-term autoimmune disease called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
• You suffer from any mitochondrial disorder.
• You notice any serious allergic reaction or unwanted side effects after taking this medicine. Please contact your doctor or visit a nearby hospital immediately.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to divalproex sodium or any other ingredients of this medicine.
• If you or any of your family members have a history of liver problems.
• If you are suffering from a condition called urea cycle disorder.
• If you have an autoimmune disorder of the skin called porphyria.
• If you are suffering from a mitochondrial disorder (a genetic disorder).
• If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

Side effects

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhoea, indigestion
• Tremor (shakiness)
• Tiredness, weakness
• Sleepiness
• Confusion
• Aggression
• Agitation
• Altered attention
• Hallucinations
• Anxiety
• Weight gain
• Anaemia
• Skin rashes, swelling, hair loss
• Menstrual cramps
• Double vision
• Blood disorders like low platelet count

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Dicorate ER 250 tablet may interact with other medicines, discuss with your doctor about all the medicines, supplements, or herbal preparations you are taking. Also, you should inform your doctor if you have a planned surgery or vaccination scheduled.
• Concomitant use of Dicorate ER 250 tablet along with medicines like aspirin (pain killers), phenobarbital, carbamazepine (used in fits) may increase your chances of having side effects.
• Use of medicines like warfarin (blood thinners), Zidovudine (used in HIV infection), Temozolomide (used in cancer), selegiline, diazepam, quetiapine (used to treat your mental health), Propofol (used for anaesthesia) along with Dicorate ER 250 tablet may increase their effects.
• Concomitant use along with medicines like chloroquine (used in malaria), Cimetidine (used in stomach ulcers), ritonavir (used in HIV infection), rifampicin, meropenem (antibiotics), Cholestyramine (used to lower cholesterol) may alter the way this medicine works.

Storage and disposal

• Dicorate ER 250 tablet should be stored at room temperature protected from moisture and heat.
• Keep it out of reach and sight of children and pets.
• Do not use expired or damaged medicines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the use of Dicorate ER 250 tablet?

Dicorate ER 250 tablet is used for the treatment of epilepsy (fits or seizures). It is also used to control migraine and some symptoms associated with Bipolar disorder.

Does Dicorate ER 250 tablet cause an addiction?

No, Dicorate ER 250 tablet does not cause addiction. However, it should be taken as per the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor. Do not self medicate as it can lead to severe unwanted effects.

How long to take Dicorate ER 250 tablet?

The dose and duration of Dicorate ER 250 tablet will depend on the response to treatment. Follow your doctor's instructions and do not stop taking this medicine on your own.

What is the composition of Dicorate Er 250?

The composition of Dicorate Er 250 consists of divalproex sodium, as its active component.

Does Dicorate cause weight gain?

Yes, weight gain is one of the side effects that an individual might experience after taking this medicine. Although not everyone gets them. However, if it bothers you, you can consult a doctor.