Valproic Acid - Valproate Sodium - Oral Syrup Brand Drug

General Information

• Below is miscellaneous information regarding Valproic Acid.
• Depakene
• val-PRO-ate SO-dee-um

Read Before Using Valproic Acid (precautions)

• Before you take valproate, tell your doctor if you have.

What To Do In Case Of Medical Emergency

• 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).

Medicinal Applications

• This medication is used to treat seizure disorders and to prevent migraine headaches.

Valproic Acid Miscellaneous Notes

• 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.

Drug Compatibility Recommendations

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

Usage Instructions

• Take this medication exactly as prescribed.
• Try to take it at the same time each day.
• May take this with food to prevent stomach upset.
• Measure the syrup with a specially marked measuring spoon available from your pharmacist.
• The syrup may be mixed with any other non-carbonated liquid or added to food.
• Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Warning

• 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.

Valproic Acid Storage Instructions

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

Possible Side Effects

• 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.

Overdose

• 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.

What To Do In Case Of Missed Dose

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
• Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.