Part Two of Depakene Information, Focusing on Side Effects, Discontinuation or Withdrawal Effects, and Additional Information

This second section of our medication database entry focuses on potential side effects, withdrawal or discontinuation effects, and additional information, while part one covers basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits.

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What are the possible side effects of valproic acid?

  • In rare cases, valproic acid has caused liver failure, sometimes resulting in death. Children younger than 2 years of age, especially those taking multiple seizure medicines, those with metabolic diseases, those with mental retardation, and those with organic brain disease are at the highest risk of liver failure. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop loss of seizure control, weakness, fatigue, swelling of the face, vomiting, or loss of appetite. These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage.
  • In rare cases, valproic acid has also caused severe, even fatal, cases of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Some of the cases have progressed rapidly from initial symptoms to death. Cases have been reported soon after starting treatment with valproic acid, as well as after several years of use. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite. These symptoms may be early signs of pancreatitis.
  • If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking valproic acid and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
    • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
    • a rash;
    • hallucinations;
    • loss of coordination or difficulty walking;
    • unusual bleeding or bruising; or
    • double vision or back-and-forth movements of the eyes.
  • Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take valproic acid and notify your doctor if you experience
    • tremor (shaking);
    • weight gain;
    • menstrual changes;
    • hair loss;
    • drowsiness or weakness;
    • depression or other psychiatric changes;
    • headache; or
    • low red blood cells (anemia).
  • Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect valproic acid?

  • Other drugs used to treat seizures such as phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), felbamate (Felbatol), lamotrigine (Lamictal), clonazepam (Klonopin), and others may increase or decrease the effects of valproic acid and may themselves have increased or decreased effectiveness. Tell your doctor about all other medications that you are taking.
  • Before taking valproic acid, tell your doctor if you are taking warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin. Valproic acid may interact with these medications and affect clotting of the blood. You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking either of these drugs.
  • Valproic acid may interact with other drugs that cause drowsiness, including alcohol, antidepressants, antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if valproic acid is taken with alcohol or any of these medications. Talk to your doctor before taking valproic acid in combination with alcohol or any other medicines.
  • Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with valproic acid. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

  • Your pharmacist has additional information about valproic acid written for health professionals that you may read.
  • Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Limitations and the Source of Our Online Medication Information Database

Although we have made considerable efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, MedLibrary.org makes no guarantee to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This medication information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend any specific pharmacotherapy. This is an educational resource only -- intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of medically qualified healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. MedLibrary.org does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.

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Version: 5.02. Revision Date: 2/14/03.

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