Depakene
Generic Name: Valproic Acid (val-PROE-ik AS-id)
Drug Class: Anticonvulsant
Contents
Drug Uses
This medicine's primary use is to prevent seizures. It is also approved to
treat bipolar disorder and for prevention of migraine headaches.
General Information
This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect,
adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions
about your medicines, talk to your health care provider.
How it Works
The exact mechanism of action is not proven, but it is believed that this
drug's effects are related to an increase in brain levels of a chemical called
GABA.
How to Take It
Usual dosing is once daily. The tablets should be swallowed whole and not
crushed or chewed.
Possible Side Effects
- Talk to your doctor if these side effects become severe:
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- nervousness
- hair loss
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
- diarrhea
- abdominal cramps
- bruising
- change in weight
- tremor
- changes in mood
- loss of appetite
- weakness
- tiredness
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
- severe stomach with nausea and vomiting
- swelling of the face
- changes in mentrual cycle
Warnings/Precautions
- Valproic acid should be used cautiously by patients with liver disease
and by the elderly.
- This medication should NOT be abruptly discontinued, due to the possibility
of life-threatening seizure activity.
- This medicine can cause dizziness or drowsiness.
- Alcoholic beverages can increase the side effects of this medicine and
should be avoided.
Overdose
- Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your
local or regional poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Drug Interactions
- Tell your doctor about all medications that you are taking including:
- erythromycin
- cimetidine
- salicylates
- carbamazepine
- diazepam
- phenytoin
- and warfarin
- vitamins
Missed Dose
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next
dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double
doses.
Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out
of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat
and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated
or no longer needed.
Pregnancy/Nursing
This medicine can cause fetal damage during the first trimester and should
not be used during pregnancy if other options are available. Small amounts
of divalproex have been shown to be excreted in breast milk, so should be
used with caution while breast-feeding.
More Information
For more information, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider.
Copyright © 2004 PharmClips,
Inc. All rights reserved. Information expires March 1, 2005. Published
March 1, 2004.
This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions,
precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This is general
information and should not in any event be construed as specific instructions
for individual patients. The publisher does not accept any responsibility
for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from
the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained
herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property
as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty,
expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material.
The reader is advised to check with their health care provider before
making any changes in their drug regimen. |