IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
(val-PRO-ate SO-dee-um)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Depakene
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.
USES: This medication is used to treat seizure disorders and to prevent migraine headaches.
HOW TO USE: 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.
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: yellowing eye/skin, blurred or double vision, severe stomach pain, unusual bleeding or bruising. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: unusual weakness, vomiting, mood or mental changes. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before you take valproate, tell your doctor if you have: a bleeding disorder, a history of a brain disorder, allergies (especially drug allergies). This medication is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: liver disease, pancreatitis, certain metabolic disorder (urea cycle disorder). Use caution driving motor vehicles or performing tasks that require alertness. Limit your consumption of alcoholic beverages. Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor that you take valproate. Use with extreme caution in children under 2 years old as the potential for serious liver problems exists. The drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for details. Valproate passes into breast milk though the effect on a nursing infant is unknown. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Be sure to tell your doctor of all over-the-counter or prescription drugs you are taking, especially of: other medication for seizures (phenobarbital, primidone, phenytoin, carbamazepine, ethosuximide, clonazepam), anticoagulants ("blood thinners"), aspirin, chlorpromazine, cimetidine, mefloquine, drugs used for colds or allergies (antihistamines), sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), sedatives, tranquilizers. This drug may alter certain laboratory test results (e.g., urine ketones). Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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.
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.
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.
STORAGE: 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.
MEDICAL ALERT: 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).
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Copyright 2004 by First DataBank, Inc.