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Drug interactions

Divalproex + Methotrexate

Severity: Moderate

Divalproex and Methotrexate: moderate interaction.

Last updated

For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.

Summary

Methotrexate has been reported to lower valproate concentrations, which may lead to loss of seizure or mood control. The mechanism is unclear, and the effect has mostly been seen in case reports.

What this interaction means in plain words

Divalproex and Methotrexate can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Mechanism is not established; increased valproate clearance has been suggested.

What to do

Check valproate concentrations and clinical response when methotrexate is started or stopped, and adjust the valproate dose accordingly. Watch for breakthrough seizures or mood symptoms.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Should I take them at different times of day?
  • Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
  • Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Divalproex with Methotrexate?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Divalproex and Methotrexate can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Methotrexate has been reported to lower valproate concentrations, which may lead to loss of seizure or mood control. The mechanism is unclear, and the effect has mostly been seen in case reports.

How serious is the interaction between Divalproex and Methotrexate?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check valproate concentrations and clinical response when methotrexate is started or stopped, and adjust the valproate dose accordingly. Watch for breakthrough seizures or mood symptoms.

What other medicines interact with Methotrexate?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Methotrexate with, for example, Acitretin, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal. The full list is on the Methotrexate page.

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