Drug Notes

Valproic acid (By mouth)

Valproic Acid (val-PROE-ik AS-id)

Treats seizures. Also treats bipolar disorder and helps prevent migraine headaches.

Brand Name(s):

Depakene, Depakote Sprinkles, Stavzor

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Delayed Release Capsule, Liquid Filled Capsule, Liquid

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• You may take this medicine with food to decrease stomach upset.
• Capsule: Swallow it whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how valproic acid works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Aspirin, rifampin, rufinamide, tolbutamide, zidovudine
  • Carbapenem antibiotic (including ertapenem, imipenem, meropenem)
  • Other seizure medicine (including carbamazepine, felbamate, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone)
  • Blood thinner (including warfarin)
• Alcohol, narcotic pain relievers, or sleeping pills may cause you to feel more lightheaded, dizzy, or faint when used together with this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, blood disease, or pancreas problems.
• This medicine can increase depression and thoughts of suicide. Tell your doctor if you have a history of depression or mental health problems.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Liver problems
  • Pancreatitis
  • Hyperammonemic encephalopathy (too much ammonia in your blood)
  • Thrombocytopenia (decrease in blood cells that affect clotting)
  • Hypothermia (low body temperature)
  • Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), which may damage organs such as the liver, kidney, or heart
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
• Confusion, problems with memory, unusual drowsiness, clumsiness
• Dark urine or pale stools, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fever, rash, swollen glands in the neck, armpits, or groin
• Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
• Thoughts of hurting yourself, depression, unusual changes in behavior or moods
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, mild stomach pain or upset
• Hair loss
• Tiredness, sleepiness
• Trouble sleeping, tremor
• Vision changes, dizziness, headache

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017