Depakene

Generic name: Valproic acid

What is Depakene?

Depakene, an epilepsy medicine, is used to treat certain types of seizures and convulsions. It may be prescribed alone or with other anticonvulsant medications.

What is the most important information I should know about Depakene?

Depakene can cause serious, even fatal, liver damage, especially during the first 6 months of treatment. Children under 2 years of age are the most vulnerable, especially if they are also taking other anticonvulsant medicines and have certain other disorders such as mental retardation. The risk of liver damage decreases with age, but you should always be alert for the following symptoms: loss of seizure control, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, a general feeling of ill health, facial swelling, loss of appetite, vomiting, and yellowing of the skin and eyes. If you suspect a liver problem, call your doctor immediately.

Depakene has been known to cause rare cases of life-threatening damage to the pancreas. This problem can develop at any time, even after years of treatment. Call your doctor immediately if any of the following warning signs appear: abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.

Depakene has been shown to cause fetal harm due to birth defects. You should discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor, especially if it is prescribed for a condition other than seizure disorders, such as for migraine headaches.

Depakene has been shown to cause an increased level of ammonia in the blood, which is chemical waste blood. Depakene may also cause a brain disease called encephalopathy, especially in people with a condition known as urea cycle disorder (UCD), which is a genetic disorder that does not allow the proper removal of ammonia from the blood stream. Signs and symptoms of encephalopathy include altered mental state, loss of memory, personality change, increased tiredness, vomiting, and/or involuntary twitching of a muscle. Notify your doctor right away if any of these occur.

Who should not take Depakene?

You should not take Depakene if you have liver disease or your liver is not functioning properly, or if you have had an allergic reaction to it.

You should not take Depakene if you have UCD (see "What is the most important information I should know about this medication?").

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Depakene?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking before beginning treatment with Depakene. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have ever had any of the following: problems with your liver or pancreas, urea cycle disorders, manic episodes, migraines, or blood disorders.

This drug can also increase the effect of painkillers and anesthetics. Before any surgery or dental procedure, make sure the doctor knows you are taking Depakene.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults and children 10 years and older: The usual starting dose is 10 to 15 milligrams (mg) per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day. Your doctor may increase the dose at weekly intervals by 5 to 10 mg per 2.2 pounds per day until seizures are controlled or side effects become too severe. If stomach upset develops, the dose may be increased more slowly. The daily dose should not exceed 60 mg per 2.2 pounds per day.

Older adults generally are prescribed reduced starting doses, and receive dosage increases more gradually than younger people.

How should I take Depakene?

If Depakene irritates your digestive system, take it with food. To avoid irritating your mouth and throat, swallow Depakene capsules whole; do not chew them.

What should I avoid while taking Depakene?

Depakene may cause drowsiness, especially in older adults. You should not drive a car, operate heavy machinery, or engage in hazardous activity until you know how you react to the drug.

Do not abruptly stop taking this medicine without first consulting your doctor. A gradual reduction in dosage is usually required to prevent major seizures.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Depakene?

If this medication is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining this drug with the following: amitriptyline, aspirin, barbiturates such as phenobarbital and secobarbital, blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin, carbamazepine, clonazepam, diazepam, ethosuximide, felbamate, lamotrigine, meropenem for injection, nortriptyline, phenytoin, primidone, rifampin, tolbutamide, topiramate, and zidovudine.

Extreme drowsiness and other serious effects may occur if Depakene is taken with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants such as alprazolam, temazepam, or triazolam.

What are the possible side effects of Depakene?

Side effects are more likely if you are taking more than one epilepsy medication, and when you are taking higher doses of Depakene. Indigestion, nausea, and vomiting are the most common side effects when you first start taking this drug.

If any side effects develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Depakene.

Side effects may include: abdominal cramps, amnesia, breathing difficulty, depression, diarrhea, dimmed or blurred vision, drowsiness, hair loss, indigestion, infection, involuntary eye movements, loss or increase in appetite, nausea, nervousness, ringing in the ears, sleeplessness, swelling of the arms and legs due to fluid retention, throat inflammation, tremors, vomiting

Can I receive Depakene if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

If taken during pregnancy, Depakene may harm the baby. The drug is not recommended for pregnant women unless the benefits of therapy clearly outweigh the risks. In fact, women in their childbearing years should take Depakene only if it has been shown to be essential in the control of seizures. Since Depakene appears in breast milk, nursing mothers should use it only with caution.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Depakene?

If you take 1 dose a day, take the dose you missed as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule.

If you take more than 1 dose a day and you remember the missed dose within 6 hours of the scheduled time, take it immediately. Take the rest of the doses for that day at equally spaced intervals. Never take 2 doses at once.

How should I store Depakene?

Store at room temperature.