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When Is Divalproex DR 500 Mg Prescribed For A 90-year-old Man?

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Posted on Fri, 12 Jan 2018
Question: divalproex dr 500mg for a 90 yrs man?
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Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Depends on the purpose, but anyway wouldn't be a first choice.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back to HealthcareMagic.

It is not that clear for what indication do you need to use it. If I understand your correctly you intend to use Divalproex as a sleep aid. If that is indeed the case I am afraid it is not an appropriate choice. Its purpose is not that. It is a drug used for prevention of seizures. It may cause some somnolence as a side effect in some patients, but is not a sedative.

If on the other hand you mean to use it for seizures, it is effective, but I still do not think it would be the best choice, due to possible side effects and interactions with other drugs. More appropriate would be the use of a drug with fewer interactions such as lamotrigine.

I remain at your disposal for other question.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3672 Questions

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When Is Divalproex DR 500 Mg Prescribed For A 90-year-old Man?

Brief Answer: Depends on the purpose, but anyway wouldn't be a first choice. Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome back to HealthcareMagic. It is not that clear for what indication do you need to use it. If I understand your correctly you intend to use Divalproex as a sleep aid. If that is indeed the case I am afraid it is not an appropriate choice. Its purpose is not that. It is a drug used for prevention of seizures. It may cause some somnolence as a side effect in some patients, but is not a sedative. If on the other hand you mean to use it for seizures, it is effective, but I still do not think it would be the best choice, due to possible side effects and interactions with other drugs. More appropriate would be the use of a drug with fewer interactions such as lamotrigine. I remain at your disposal for other question.