Depakene (Valproic Acid)

Do’s

• Before starting Depakene, read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist. If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider.
• Take Depakene by mouth as directed by your healthcare provider. It may be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. The capsule should be swallowed whole without crushing or chewing to avoid irritation of the mouth or throat.
• The dosage is based on age, weight, medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications being taken. Inform your healthcare provider about all the products being used, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
• Use this medication regularly to derive the most benefit from it. It should be taken at the same time each day to maintain a constant amount of medication in the blood.
• Depakene does not relieve acute migraine headaches. Other medications should be taken as directed by the healthcare provider for acute attacks.
• If your condition does not improve, inform your healthcare provider.

Don’ts

• If Depakene is used for seizures, it should not be stopped without consulting a healthcare provider,  as abruptly stopping the drug can worsen the condition. The dose may need to be gradually decreased.

Common Side Effects:

• Upset stomach
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Nausea
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision

Serious Side Effects:

• Black, tarry stools
• Bleeding gums
• Swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• Blood in the urine or stools
• Confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Mental depression
• Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Changes in vision
• Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

Seek medical advice if any of these side effects are experienced, especially the serious ones. Additionally, report any side effects to the healthcare provider and follow their guidance.

The frequency of adverse effects, particularly elevated liver enzymes and thrombocytopenia, may be dose-related. The benefit of improved therapeutic effects with higher doses should be weighed against the possibility of a greater incidence of adverse reactions.

Depakene should not be administered to patients with hepatic disease or significant hepatic dysfunction. It is also contraindicated in patients with mitochondrial disorders caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA polymerase, known hypersensitivity to the drug, known urea cycle disorders, and in women who are pregnant or of childbearing potential who are not using effective contraception.

Depakene may interact with other drugs. Consult a healthcare provider before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Close monitoring is recommended for older patients during treatment with Depakene for the development of acute liver injury. Serum liver tests should be performed before therapy and at frequent intervals thereafter, especially during the first six months. 

For individuals with diabetes who are testing their urine for ketones, inform the healthcare provider that Depakene is being taken, as it can cause false results on urine tests for ketones.

Patients, caregivers, and families should be counseled about the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior associated with antiepileptic drugs, including Depakene.

Due to the risk of decreased IQ, neural tube defects, and other major congenital malformations, Depakene should not be administered to women of childbearing potential unless the drug is essential to the management of their medical condition. Discuss these risks with a healthcare provider.

Adhere to these warnings and precautions and consult with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance before starting or continuing Depakene.