Drug Information

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NOTE: The information presented herein is not intended to serve as a substitute for a doctor's expertise.

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Valproic Acid - Valproic Acid - Oral Capsule Brand Drug

General Information

May be taken with food if stomach upset occurs.
Capsules should be swallowed whole.
This medication must be taken as prescribed.
Do not stop taking this drug suddenly without consulting your doctor as seizures may occur.
It is important to take all doses on time to keep the level of medication in your blood constant.
Take doses at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night.

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency.
For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

If you miss a dose and your dosing schedule is 1 dose daily, take the missed dose as soon as remembered.
If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
If you take 2 or more doses daily and you remember within 6 hours of the missed dose, take it immediately.
Then take the remainder of the doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include deep sleep, irregular heartbeat, and loss of consciousness.

Mild stomach pain, loss of appetite, change in menstrual periods, diarrhea, mild hair loss, unsteadiness, dizziness, drowsiness, rash or headache might occur.
If any of these effects continue or are bothersome, inform your doctor.
Very unlikely but report.

It is recommended to wear or carry medication identification indicating you are taking this drug.
Lab tests may be done, especially in the first few months to check if the drug is working properly.
Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Valproic acid is used for seizure disorders, to prevent migraine headaches, and for certain emotional conditions (manic phase of bipolar disorder).

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not store in the bathroom.

Rarely, serious (possibly fatal) liver problems have occurred in patients using this drug.
Children using this drug who are under the age of 2 years are at higher risk to experience liver problems, especially if they also have a severe seizure disorder along with mental retardation; are using more than one seizure control drug; have body process (metabolic) problems or have brain disorders.
If used in these patients, this drug must not be used with additional seizure control drugs.
Early signs of liver problems include loss of seizure control, vomiting, unusual tiredness/weakness, loss of appetite, yellowing eyes/skin, or swelling of the face.
Contact your doctor promptly if you develop any of these symptoms.
Liver tests should be run before and during use of the drug.
Rarely, severe (possibly fatal) pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation) has occurred during use of this medication.
It may progress quickly and may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Contact your doctor promptly if you develop any of these symptoms.
Rarely, severe (possibly fatal) encephalopathy (decreased mental status) has occurred during use of this medication.
This has occurred in patients with a specific metabolic disorder (urea cycle disorder).
Symptoms may include unusual weakness, vomiting, or mental changes.
Contact your doctor promptly if you develop any of these symptoms.
This drug may cause birth defects.
Consult your doctor about the use of this medication during pregnancy.

Be sure to tell your doctor of all over-the-counter or prescription drugs you are taking, especially.