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In this Article

• What is valproic acid (Stavzor)?
• What are the possible side effects of valproic acid (Stavzor)?
• What is the most important information I should know about valproic acid (Stavzor)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking valproic acid (Stavzor)?
• How should I take valproic acid (Stavzor)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Stavzor)?
• What happens if I overdose (Stavzor)?
• What should I avoid while taking valproic acid (Stavzor)?
• What other drugs will affect valproic acid (Stavzor)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking valproic acid (Stavzor)?

In rare cases, valproic acid has caused life-threatening liver failure, especially in children younger than 2 years old. Children of this age may be at even greater risk for liver problems if they use more than one seizure medication, if they have a metabolic disorder, or if they have a brain disease causing mental impairment (such as Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, Huntington disease, multiple sclerosis, or a brain injury or infection).

Valproic acid has also caused rare cases of life-threatening pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Pancreatitis can come on suddenly and symptoms may start even after you have been taking valproic acid for several years. Do not take valproic acid if you have liver disease or a urea cycle disorder.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
• a history of head injury, brain disorder, or coma;
• a family history of a urea cycle disorder;
• a family history of infant deaths with unknown cause; or
• HIV or CMV (cytomegalovirus) infection.

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several months of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.

Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not use valproic acid without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Valproic acid can cause birth defects. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.

Valproic acid passes into breast milk and could harm a nursing infant. Do not take valproic acid without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take valproic acid (Stavzor)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Drink plenty of water while you are taking this medication. Your dose may need to be changed if you do not get enough fluids each day.

Measure the liquid form of valproic acid with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your liver function will need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Do not stop taking valproic acid without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop taking valproic acid suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, chew, or break a capsule because the medicine may irritate your mouth or throat when you swallow it.

Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking valproic acid, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.

Store valproic acid at room temperature away from moisture and heat.