Valproic Acid and Derivatives



DepaconŽ; DepakeneŽ; DepakoteŽ Delayed Release; DepakoteŽ ER; DepakoteŽ SprinkleŽ







Valproic Acid and Derivatives

(val PROE ik AS id & dah RIV ah tives)

U.S. Brand Names
DepaconŽ; DepakeneŽ; DepakoteŽ Delayed Release; DepakoteŽ ER; DepakoteŽ SprinkleŽ
Canadian Brand Names
Alti-Divalproex; Apo-DivalproexŽ; DepakeneŽ; EpivalŽ I.V.; Gen-Divalproex; Novo-Divalproex; Nu-Divalproex; PMS-Valproic Acid; PMS-Valproic Acid E.C.; Rhoxal-valproic; Sandoz-Valproic
Mexican Brand Names
CryovalŽ[caps]; DepakeneŽ; EpivalŽ; LeptilanŽ; ValprosidŽ
Pharmacologic Category
Anticonvulsant, Miscellaneous
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • This medicine may cause liver problems. Call healthcare provider if you notice dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, nausea, vomiting, or yellowing of the skin or eyes. Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. This medicine may irritate the pancreas (pancreatitis). This could occur in children or adults at any time during treatment. Signs of pancreatitis include belly pain, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite. Contact healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to valproic acid or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have liver disease.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to prevent migraine headaches.
  • This medicine is used to prevent or treat seizures.
  • This medicine is used to treat behavior problems.
  • This medicine is used to treat manic depression.
How does it work?
  • Valproic acid and derivatives helps clear your thinking.
  • It increases the amount of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric in the brain. This chemical decreases excitability of the brain.
  • It is a mood stabilizer.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
  • Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
  • You may sprinkle contents of DepakoteŽ SprinkleŽ capsule on soft food or liquid.
  • A liquid (syrup) is available if you cannot swallow pills.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given. Do not mix with carbonated drinks.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. This could cause seizures. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Children younger than 2 years of age are at risk of liver disease.
  • Follow laws about driving with a seizure condition.
  • If you have been taking this medicine for several weeks, talk with healthcare provider before stopping. You may want to gradually withdraw this medicine.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) or other medicines and natural products that slow your actions and reactions. These include sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, antihistamines, and other pain medicine.
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Inability to sleep.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood work (liver function). Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Not hungry.
  • Significant change in balance.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • If seizures are worse or different after starting medicine.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect capsules and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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