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Home » Epilepsy » Depakine
Depakine
Brand Names: Depakine
Generic Name: Valproic acid, Sodium Valporate
Manufacturer: Sanofi
Indications
Depakine is taken by mouth to treat grand mal, petit mal, myoclonic and temporal lobe
seizures. The drug is much less effective for focal or complex partial seizures. It is also
indicated for manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder and prophylaxis of migraine
headache.
Depakine 200mg enteric-coated tablets
Depakine 500mg extended-release tablets,
How do I take it?
• Take this medicine exactly as your health care provider prescribes, along with any other
medicine prescribed. Take it regularly to control your seizures.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval. You may have
to reduce your dosage gradually to avoid an increase in seizures.
• Take the medicine with food to lessen the chance that the medicine will upset your stomach.
• Do NOT chew or crush enteric-coated or extended-release tablets.
If you miss a dose:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next
scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not
take double doses.
Tell your health care provider if you:
• had an allergic reaction to any medicine, food or dyes
• are being treated with other medicines or drinking alcohol
• have other disease
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
What are the possible side effects?
Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Clumsiness, drowsiness,
increased seizures, severe stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, facial swelling,
weakness, yellowing of skin or eyes, unusual bruising or bleeding, severe tiredness, changes
in mental status.
Other: Diarrhea, mild stomach upset, abdominal pain, trembling.
What should I watch out for?
• You will need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Your
health care provider may need to adjust your dosage.
• This medicine may cause liver damage. If while taking this medicine you develop ill feelings,
weakness, tiredness, loss of appetite, vomiting, facial swelling, or yellowing of your skin or
eyes, contact your health care provider right away.
• This medicine may make you drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are
fully alert.
• If you need emergency care, surgery or dental work, tell the health care provider or dentist
you are taking this medicine.
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