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Depakene Capsules

Generic name: Valproic Acid Capsulesval-PROE-ik-AS-id ]
Brand name: Depakene
Drug class: Fatty acid derivative anticonvulsants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 30, 2023.

Warning

  • Liver problems have happened with Depakene (valproic acid capsules). Sometimes, these have been deadly. Most of the time, liver problems happened within the first 6 months after starting Depakene (valproic acid capsules). Call your doctor right away if you have signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes. In people who have seizures, loss of seizure control may happen. Have your blood work checked as you have been told by your doctor.
  • Children under 2 years are at greater risk of deadly liver problems. Those who take more than 1 seizure drug or who have a metabolic disorder, a very bad seizure disorder along with mental retardation, or certain brain problems are at highest risk. Talk with the doctor.
  • There is a greater risk of liver failure and death in patients who have a genetic liver problem caused by a mitochondrial disorder like Alpers–Huttenlocher syndrome. You may need to have a genetic test to check for this health problem. If you have or may have mitochondrial disorders do not take Depakene (valproic acid capsules) before talking with your doctor.
  • This medicine may cause severe birth defects if you take it while you are pregnant. It can also cause your child to have a lower IQ and brain problems. If you are pregnant or able to get pregnant, talk with your doctor to make sure Depakene (valproic acid capsules) is right for you. Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while you take Depakene (valproic acid capsules). If you get pregnant while taking Depakene (valproic acid capsules), call your doctor right away.
  • Do not take Depakene (valproic acid capsules) to prevent migraine headaches if you are pregnant or if you are not using birth control to prevent pregnancy.
  • This medicine may cause very bad and sometimes deadly pancreas problems (pancreatitis). This may happen soon after use as well as many years after use. Signs of pancreatitis include belly pain, upset stomach, throwing up, or not feeling hungry. Call your doctor right away if you have any of these signs.
  • This medicine comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care each time Depakene (valproic acid capsules) is filled. If you have any questions about Depakene (valproic acid capsules), please talk with the doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Uses of Depakene:

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Depakene?

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Depakene (valproic acid capsules).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Depakene (valproic acid capsules) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Depakene?

How is this medicine (Depakene) best taken?

Use Depakene (valproic acid capsules) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

gabapentin, clonazepam, lamotrigine, pregabalin, lorazepam, topiramate, diazepam, Lamictal, Klonopin

What are some other side effects of Depakene?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Depakene?

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.