This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Depakene Consumer Information
DEPAKENE
Generic Name: valproic acid (val PROE ik AH sid)
Brand Names: Depakene
What is the most important information I should know about 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.
- Do not stop taking the medication even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking valproic acid to prevent the seizures from recurring.
- Do not crush, chew, or break the capsules because they may hurt the mouth or throat. Swallow them whole.
- Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.
- 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.
What is valproic acid?
- Valproic acid affects chemicals in the body that may be involved in causing seizures. The exact way that it works is unknown.
- Valproic acid is used to treat various types of seizure disorders.
- Valproic acid may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking valproic acid?
- Do not take valproic acid if you have liver disease.
- Valproic acid is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Malformations of the face and head, heart, and nervous system have been reported. Do not take valproic acid without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant.
- Valproic acid passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take valproic acid without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
- Extreme caution must be used if valproic acid is used to treat seizures in a child younger than 2 years of age due to the increased risk of liver damage.
How should I take valproic acid?
- Take valproic acid exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Take valproic acid with food if it causes stomach upset.
- Do not crush, chew, or break the capsules because they may hurt the mouth or throat. Swallow them whole
- Measure the liquid form of valproic acid with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
- Your doctor may want you to have blood tests during treatment. It is important for your doctor to know how much medication is in the blood and how well your liver is working.
- Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.
- Do not stop taking the medication even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking valproic acid to prevent the seizures from recurring.
- Store valproic acid at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a valproic acid overdose include unconsciousness, sleepiness or drowsiness, faint or no heartbeat, decreased breathing, or stopped breathing.
What should I avoid while taking valproic acid?
- 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.
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Valproic acid may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.