Depakote
From Holoprosencephaly
Depakote
Generic Name: Valproic Acid
Uses:
Depakote (Valproic acid) is an anticonvulsant medication used alone or with other medications to treat certain types of seizures. It is also used to treat manic-depressive disorder, ADHD, chorea (a movement disorder) and migraine headaches.
Forms:
Depakote (Valproic acid) comes as a capsule, an extended-release (long-acting) tablet, a delayed-release (slow to begin working) tablet, a sprinkle capsule (capsule that contains small beads of medication that can be sprinkled on food), and a syrup (liquid) to take by mouth.
The syrup, capsules, delayed-release tablets, and sprinkle capsules are usually taken two or more times daily. The extended-release tablets are usually taken once a day.
Side Effects:
This is an incomplete list of side effects for Depakote (Valproic Acid). For more information about this medication, please consult your physician.
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
drowsiness dizziness headache diarrhea constipation heartburn changes in appetite weight changes back pain agitation mood swings abnormal thinking memory loss uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body loss of coordination uncontrollable movements of the eyes blurred or double vision ringing in the ears stuffed or runny nose sore throat hair loss
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
unusual bruising or bleeding tiny purple spots on the skin fever blisters or rash itching hives confusion difficulty breathing or swallowing swollen glands weakness in the joints depression
Special Precautions:
- Depakote (Valproic acid) may cause serious or life threatening damage to the liver. The risk of developing liver damage is greatest in children who are younger than 2 years old and in people who are taking more than one medication to prevent seizures, or who have any of the following conditions: a severe seizure disorder and mental retardation; certain inherited diseases that prevent the body from changing food to energy normally; any condition that affects the ability to think, learn, and understand; or liver disease.
- Depakote (Valproic acid) may cause serious or life-threatening damage to the pancreas. This may occur at any time during treatment.
- Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check medication levels, blood chemistries and liver function test. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a urea cycle disorder (one of a group of conditions that affect the ability to change protein from food into energy). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take valproic acid.
- Tell the doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: acyclovir (Zovirax); antidepressants; anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); aspirin; anti-anxiety medications; anti-seizure medications; and sedatives. The doctor may need to change the doses of medications or monitor carefully for side effects.
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist about allergies to Depakote (Valproic acid), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in the type of valproic acid that has been prescribed. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking valproic acid.
For more information about Depakote (Valproic Acid), please consult with your healthcare provider.
