Posted by Ted on December 2, 2000, at 18:25:12
In reply to Ted-Depakote ?, posted by S. Howard on December 1, 2000, at 22:14:27
Hi Gracie,
The tablets have what is called an "enteric coating" which prevents them from being digested and absorbed when in the stomach. The coating keeps them inert until they get into the intestines. The reasons from what I can find in the PDR are first, the drug is *really* hard on the stomach, so delaying its release helps in that respect. The second reason is that there seems to be some reaction between the stomach acid and the drug which is detrimental. That is partly why depakene, which is pure valproic acid, is not used much anymore.
Besides, the PDR has a stern warning to take the tablets whole and not to break or crush them.
Ted
>
> Ted-
> Uh...I know the depakote tablets aren't scored, but why is it so critical to take them whole?
> I take 500 mg at night along with 100 mg seroquel and I can barely function until noon or later, even with espresso IV. I was thinking of cutting the tablets in half.
> -Gracie
poster:Ted
thread:49440
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001130/msgs/49818.html