Depakene (Valproic Acid) Drug Center: Guide to Drug Information for Professionals, Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Depakene

Sleep Disorder Drugs »

Sleep disorder drugs (hypnotic and sedative drugs) overview

Insomnia, a disorder of sleep, occurs occasionally in most people but usually lasts only a few days. The body then "corrects" itself naturally, and people return to a normal pattern of sleep. Insomnia may be short-term (less than three weeks) or chronic, lasting longer than three weeks. Contributing factors include, but are not limited to, poor sleeping habits, stress, jet lag, medications, disease, and depression. Chronic insomnia may warrant the use of sedative/hypnotics medications; however, it is important that the treating physician perform a complete diagnostic evaluation as well as take medication and substance abuse histories, to exclude secondary insomnia due to other conditions.

Hypnotics/sedatives medications (henceforth referred to as hypnotics) work, in general, by increasing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter in the brain. Neuro...

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Depakene

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Depakene Drug Center

Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

Prescribing Information

For Patients

Depakene (valproic acid) is used to treat various types of seizure disorders. Depakene is sometimes used together with other seizure medications. It is an antiepileptic. This medication is available in generic form. Common side effects include diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, hair loss, blurred/double vision, change in menstrual periods, ringing in the ears, shakiness (tremor), unsteadiness, or weight changes. You may have suicidal thoughts while taking this medication. Tell your doctor if this occurs.

For adults and children over 10 years of age, initial dose of Depakene is 10 to 15 mg/kg/day. The dosage should be increased by 5 to 10 mg/kg/week to achieve optimal response. Maximum optimal dose is usually below 60 mg/kg/day. Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by Depakene. This drug may also interact with topiramate, tolbutamide, blood thinners, aspirin or acetaminophen, zidovudine, clozapine, diazepam, meropenem or imipenem and cilastatin, rifampin, or ethosuximide. Depakene is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may cause birth defects. However, since untreated seizures are a serious condition that can harm both a pregnant woman and her fetus, do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. Your doctor may switch the type of medication you use during pregnancy. This medication passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Our Depakene (valproic acid) Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information as well as related drugs, user reviews, supplements, and diseases and conditions articles.

What is Prescribing information?

The FDA package insert formatted in easy-to-find categories for health professionals and clinicians.

Depakene Prescribing Information: Indications & Dosage

Depakene (valproic acid) Structural Formula Illustration

DEPAKENE (valproic acid) is indicated as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy in the treatment of patients with complex partial seizures that occur either in isolation or in association with other types of seizures. DEPAKENE (valproic acid) is indicated for use as sole and adjunctive therapy in the treatment of simple and complex absence seizures, and adjunctively in patients with multiple seizure types which include absence seizures.Â

Simple absence is defined as very brief clouding of the sensorium or loss of consciousness accompanied by certain generalized epileptic dischar...

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What is Depakene Prescribing Information?

Drug Description - Indications & Dosage - Side Effects & Drug Interactions - Warnings & Precautions - Contraindications - Medication Guide and More

What is Patient information?

Easy-to-read and understand detailed drug information and pill images for the patient or caregiver from Cerner Multum.

Depakene Patient Information: Side Effects

Seek emergency medical attention if the person taking this medicine has nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or loss of appetite, low fever, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage. Some of these symptoms may also be early signs of pancreatitis.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

...

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What is Depakene Patient Information?

Possible Side Effects - Images - What Is - How Should I Take It - What If I Miss a Dose - What Should I Avoid and More

What is Consumer information?

A concise overview of the drug for the patient or caregiver from First DataBank.

Depakene Consumer Information: Uses

This medication is used to treat seizure disorders, mental/mood conditions (such as manic phase of bipolar disorder), and to prevent migraine headaches. It works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking valproic acid and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. You may take it with food if stomach upset occurs...

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