Valproic Acid ( Depakene, Valprotate )

Valproic Acid ( Depakene, Valprotate ) is used to treat seizure but is effective in treating mania. Valproic Acid ( Depakene, Valprotate ) is used to treat patients that do not responded to lithium or carbamazepine.

Warnings

THIS DRUG HAS BEEN RESPONSIBLE LIVER FAILURE IN SOME PEOPLE!

Interactions: Phenobarbital, primidone, phenytoin ( Dilantin ), aspirin or any drug that affects coagulation. See your physician before take verapamil with any of these drugs.

The habit-forming potential is none. For long term use liver function, platelet count and coagulation must be monitored.

Do not take this drug if you are pregnant, birth defects have been reported ( Only take if the mother's or baby's life is endangered. )

Do not take this drug if planning to become pregnant. Do not take if you are breast-feeding.

Do not give this drug to anyone under the age of sixteen. If over sixty only use drug in small doses and with close monitoring of it's side effects.

Do not use if: You had negative reactions to this drug or divalproex in the past. If you have liver disease or dysfunction. If you are taking phenobarbital or phenytoin ( Dilantin.)

Inform your Doctor if:

• you had negative reactions to any drug in the past.
• if you have epilepsy.
• if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription drug.
• if you plan to be under anesthesia or having any surgery in the next few months, also if you will be undergoing any medical tests

Valproic Acid ( Symptoms or Effects )

Common: Cramps, stomach upset, diarrhea, indigestion, drowsiness, dizziness or lethargy.

Rare: Weight gain / loss, trembling in hands, confusion, headache, constipation, restlessness, anxiety, rash, yellow eyes / skin, unusual bruising / bleeding, swelling of face, hair loss, depression, psychosis, painful menstrual or cramps.

See physician always: Weight gain / loss, trembling in hands, confusion, headache, restlessness, anxiety, rash, yellow eyes / skin, unusual bruising / bleeding, swelling of face, hair loss, depression, psychosis, painful menstrual, cramps, stomach upset, cramps or dizziness.

See physician if severe: Constipation, lethargy, drowsiness, indigestion or diarrhea.

See physician NOW: Swelling of face or confusion.

Stop taking and see physician NOW: Rash, yellow eyes / skin, unusual bruising / bleeding or psychosis.