About Valproic Acid
Depakene (valproic acid) is an anticonvulsant used in the treatment of epilepsy. It works by reducing abnormal electrical discharges, which helps control seizures and convulsions. It is commonly prescribed to treat petit mal, grand-mal, myoclonic, and psychomotor seizures.
This medication is sometimes prescribed in combination with
other anticonvulsants, and may be prescribed for migraine.
If your doctor tries valproic acid treatment for migraine,
you may be at greater risk for side effects, and should follow
dosage guidelines closely.
If you need to stop taking this medication, do it only under
your doctor's guidance. Discontinuation should be done gradually.
Abruptly stopping your treatment could lead to severe risk
of seizures. Individuals taking valproic acid for treatment
of non-seizure conditions should follow this advice as well,
only stopping on a gradual schedule as recommended by your
doctor.
Your doctor will require periodical blood tests while on
this medication. Depakene may cause problems with the liver
and pancreas. Talk to your doctor about warning signs which
may include dizziness, drowsiness, facial swelling, loss of
appetite, loss of seizure control, vomiting, or yellowing
of the skin and eyes.
Depakene is non-habit forming and available by prescription.
Use only as directed.Valproic Acid Side Effects
Common Side Effects: Abdominal cramps, amnesia, change
in appetite, depression, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, drowsiness,
hair loss, indigestion, infection, involuntary eye movements,
lethargy, nausea, nervousness, ringing in ears, sleeplessness,
sore throat, swelling (due to fluid retention), tremors, vision
problems, vomiting.
Infrequent Side Effects: Abnormal dreams, aggression,
altered taste, anemia, anxiety, back pain, behavior changes,
belching, blood disorders, bone and joint pain, breast enlargement
with milk production, bruising, changes in menstrual periods,
changes in weight, chest pain, coma, confusion, constipation,
cough, dizziness, dry skin, dulled senses, ear pain, emotional
problems, fever, gas, hallucinations, headache, hearing problems,
high blood pressure, increased sensitivity to light, involuntary
jerking, irregular heartbeat, itching, muscle pain or weakness,
nosebleed, overactivity, pneumonia, rash, rickets, sedation,
sinus problems, skin problems, speech problems, tingling,
twitching, swollen glands, unusual gait, urinary tract infection,
vaginal infection, vertigo, vomiting blood, weakness, vision
problems.
Serious Side Effects: Bizarre behavior, blood disorders,
hallucinations, hepatitis, pancreatitis.
Notify your doctor if you experience these or other side
effects. If side effects are severe, seek immediate medical
attention.
Signs of Overdose: Coma, confusion, extreme drowsiness,
heart problems, unsteadiness, weakness. If you suspect overdose,
seek medical attention immediately.
Cautions: Depakene may not be a suitable medication
for everyone. To ensure that your treatment is safe and effective,
discuss any of the following conditions or any history of
them with your doctor.
- Allergy: If you have an allergic reaction to Depakene, or have had one in the past, you will not be able to continue to use it. Also inform your doctor if you've had any other medication allergies, especially other antiseizure medication. Food and dye allergies should also be discussed with your doctor.
- Blood Disorders: Notify your doctor of any blood or bleeding disorders including bruising, hemorrhaging, or clotting disorders. You may need a reduced dosage or alternate form of treatment.
- Liver Problems: Do not use Depakene if you have liver disease. Discuss liver problems with your doctor before taking this medication. Depakene may cause liver problems. Talk to your doctor about warning signs.
- Mania: Tell your doctor if you have a history of manic episodes, you may experience increased side effects while using Depakene.
- Migraines: If you have a history of migraines,
you may be more susceptible to side effects while taking
Depakene, though this medication may also be used to treat
migraine.
- Myasthenia Gravis: Notify your doctor if you have this condition before taking Depakene.
- Other Drugs: Talk to your doctor about any medications, prescription or over the counter, that you currently use or may use in the future. Inform any other doctor besides your prescribing physician, as well as your pharmacist, that you are taking this medication.
- Pancreas: Notify your doctor if you have pancreatitis. Depakene may cause pancreas problems. Talk to your doctor about warning signs.
- Pregnancy: Notify your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Depakene is not recommended for use in pregnant women. Depakene may be harmful to the baby and cause birth defects. Depakene shows up in breast milk.
- Skin: Depakene may cause a dangerous skin condition. Notify your doctor if you have changes in your skin while taking Depakene.
- Surgery: Depakene may increase effects of anesthetics and pain medication. If you are planning surgery, dental work or have a medical emergency, notify your doctor or surgeon that you are taking Depakene.
Valproic Acid Interactions
This medication should not be mixed with all prescription or over the counter drugs. Let your doctor know of any medications you're taking, or plan to take. Be especially careful with medications that may cause you to become drowsy or can alter seizure patterns.
- Alcohol - May increase depressive and sedative effects
when combined with Depakene.
- Aldomet (methyldopa) - Risk of liver damage.
- Antabuse (disulfiram) - Risk of liver damage.
- Antacids - Antacids may interfere with the beneficial
effects of Depakene. Talk to your doctor about use of antacids
while taking Depakene.
- Antidepressants - Depakene may cause toxic levels or increase
the effects of some antidepressants including MAO inhibitors
and tricyclics.
- Aspirin - Aspirin may increase effects of Depakene causing
toxic levels. Aspirin and other antiplatelet drugs may cause
increased risk of bleeding when combined with Depakene.
- AZT (zidovudine) - May cause increased effects and toxicity.
- Benzodiazepines (a class of antidepressants, anti-panic
agents, and muscle relaxants) such as Ativan
(lorazepam), Valium
(diazepam), Halcion
(triazolam), Restoril
(temazepam), Librium
(chlordiazepoxide), Xanax
(alprazolam), Tranxene-SD (clorazepate), Paxipam (halazepam),
ProSom (estazolam), Klonopin
(clonazepam), and others - Depakene may increase the
effects of these medications. If combined, your doctor may
test blood levels more frequently and may reduce your dosage.
- Cerebyx (fosphenytoin) - May cause increased effects or
toxicity when combined with Depakene.
- Coumadin (warfarin)
- Coumadin and other anticoagulants may cause increased
risk of bleeding. Notify your doctor if you take anticoagulants.
- Cholestyramine - May decrease effects of Depakene.
- Dilantin (phenytoin)
- Depakene may cause increased effects and toxicity when
combined with Dilantin.
- Erythromycin, azithromycin, or clarithromycin - May increase
effects of Depakene causing toxic levels.
- Ethosuximide - Notify your doctor if you take this medication.
- Felbatrol (felbamate) - May increase Depakene effects.
- Herbal Supplements - Many herbal supplements may have
undesirable effects when combined with Depakene. Talk to
your doctor before adding herbal supplements to your diet.
- INH (isoniazid) - Levels of both medications could be
effected. May cause toxic levels.
- Lamotrigine (Lamictal) - Talk to your doctor before combining
this medication with Depakene.
- Luvox (fluoxetine) - May increase effects of Depakene,
causing dangerous levels.
- Mysoline (primidone) - May cause toxicity when combined
with Depakene.
- Nimotop (nimodipine) - Depakene may increase the effects
of Nimotop causing toxic levels.
- Norflex (orphenadrine)
- Risk of oversedation.
- Norvir (ritonavir) - May reduce the effects of Depakene.
- Oral contraceptives - Depakene may reduce the effectiveness
of oral contraceptives.
- Rifadin (rifampin) - May cause toxic levels of Depakene
when combined.
- Sandimmune (cyclosporine) - Combining Depakene with this
medication may lead to higher risk of liver toxicity.
- Sedatives like Butalbital, Fioricet
(butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine), Fiorinal,
Phenobarbitol, Seconal, or other barbiturates may cause
oversedation in combination with treatment.
- Tegretol (carbamazepine)
- May alter Depakene levels, increasing or decreasing them.
- Tolbutamide (Orinase) - Consult your doctor before combining
with Depakene.
- Tranquilizers and antipsychotics of the phenothiazine
class, such as Mellaril (thioridazine), Trilafon (perphenazine),
and Thorazine (chlorpromazine) may increase the risk of
serious liver damage in combination with your treatment.
- Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil
(amitriptyline), Asendin (amoxapine), Anafranil (clomipramine),
Pertofrane or Norpramin (desipramine), Sinequan
(doxepin), Tofranil (imipramine), Aventyl or Pamelor
(nortriptyline),
Vivactil (protriptyline), and Surmontil (trimipramine),
may increase the risk of oversedation.
- Zidovudine (Retrovir) - Notify your doctor if you take
this medication.
- Zovirax (acyclovir) - This medication may reduce the effects
of Depakene.
Valproic Acid Dosages
Usual dosage is 10 to 15 mg per kg (2.2 lbs.) of body weight per day. Dosage may be increased gradually as prescribed by your doctor, with a maximum of 60 mg per kg (2.2 lbs.) of body weight per day.
Children and seniors may have very different needs than the general population. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions as they are given to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Valproic Acid Directions
For maximum effectiveness, this medication needs to be maintained in steady levels in the body. Take your doses at the same time every day, and take missed doses as soon as you remember. If you miss a dose and it's almost time for your next one, skip the missing dose and resume your normal schedule. Do not take two doses at once.
Depakene may be taken with food, if there is stomach upset. Swallow tablets whole. Do not chew or crush tablets.
Store Depakene away from direct light and heat. Store in a dry location; avoid storing it in the bathroom, near sinks, or other areas where it may become damp. Do not use after the expiration date.
Keep Depakene away from children; both when storing it, and when discarding any unused medication.
Depakene may cause drowsiness or disorientation, and you should familiarize yourself with your reaction to it before engaging in potentially hazardous activities. Be cautious if you plan to drive or operate heavy machinery, avoid these activities if you find yourself feeling tired or experience slowed reactions.
Caution: Abrupt discontinuation of this medication can cause seizures. Discontinuation should be done gradually under the supervision of your doctor.
Valproic Acid and Pregnancy
This medication is not recommended for pregnancy or for women planning to become pregnant. Depakene may cause birth defects and harm to the baby.
Depakene appears in breast milk. It is not advised to take Depakene while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor about risks.
Valproic Acid and Children
Carefully follow your doctor's instructions and notify your doctor of all medications that your child is taking. When combined with aspirin, children may have increased risk of bleeding or bruising. There is a risk of Reye's syndrome in children. Fever is a warning sign for Reye's syndrome. There is a risk of fatal hepatotoxicity for children under two years old. Children's tolerance of this medication varies widely. Frequent monitoring and individual dosage determinations are necessary for safe and effective treatment.
Valproic Acid and Seniors
Reduced dosage and more gradual increases may be necessary. Watch carefully for altered vision, confusion, fatigue, sleepiness, slurred speech, twitching, and unsteadiness.
Depakene is a trademark of Abbott
Generic valproic acid is manufactured by Geneva, Pharmaceutical
Associates, and Watson
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This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only, please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.
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