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Home > Drug Category > Antiepileptic Medication > Depakene and Equivalent

Depakene Information

Depakene (Valproic Acid) is used in adults and children to control epilepsy which is a disorder of the brain that causes seizures. Depakene is also used to treat mental or mood conditions such as manic phase of bipolar disorder, and to prevent migraine headaches. Depakene is thought to work by increasing the amount of an amino acid in the brain called “gammaaminobutyric acid" (GABA). By changing the amount of GABA in the brain, Depakene is able to help control epilepsy.

Depakene Side Effects

The most common side effects of Depakene may include nausea; vomiting; indigestion; sleepiness; headache; diarrhea; increased appetite that may lead to weight gain; weakness; tremor; dizziness; changes in hair such as hair loss or in increase in hair on face, chest and back. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects such as:
• Aggravated convulsions (an increase in the number of seizures or having new types of seizures);
• Depression: difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, changes in appetite or weight, feelings of worthlessness, withdrawal from social situations, family, gatherings and activities with friends, and thoughts of death;
• Hyperammonemia (high ammonia levels in the blood): tiredness, vomiting, abnormal walking, extreme irritability;
• Hallucinations: seeing or hearing something that is not there;
• Hypothermia (low body temperature): shivering, slurred speech or mumbling, slow, shallow breathing, weak pulse, very low energy, confusion or memory loss;
• Kidney problems: nausea, vomiting, fever, swelling of extremities, fatigue, thirst, dry skin, irritability, dark urine, increased/decreased urine output, blood in the urine, rash;
• Liver injury: yellowing of the skin;
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas);
• Serious skin reactions when taken with lamotrigine: fever, severe rash, swollen lymph glands, flu-like feeling, blisters and peeling skin that may start in and around the mouth;
• Thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
• Thrombocytopenia (low blood platelets): bruising or bleeding for longer than usual if you hurt yourself, fatigue and weakness; • Urinary incontinence (overactive bladder)

Depakene Precautions

Do not use Depakene if you are allergic to valproic acid or to any other ingredients in this medication or if you are pregnant or breast feeding; have liver problems; mitochondrial diseases (e.g., Alpers or Alpers Huttenlocher disease); known urea cycle disorders (a genetic disorder); porphyria (a genetic disorder). Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have a liver or kidney disease; have ever had an allergic reaction to Depakene; dehydration; brain disease (dementia); bleeding problems; are a female child or female adolescent, a woman of childbearing potential, or pregnant; are breast-feeding (nursing); are male and thinking about fathering a child; are taking any other prescription or OTC medicine; have other medical conditions including a history of unexplained coma, intellectual disability or any type of brain dysfunction; have a psychiatric disorder or have thoughts of suicide; consume alcohol on a regular basis. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Depakene and other medications. Since Depakene may cause poor coordination and/or drowsiness, you should not engage in hazardous activities, such as driving and operating machinery, until you know that you don’t become drowsy from the drug. Depakene carries a risk if taken during pregnancy and breast feeding. Before you start Depakene, you must have a negative pregnancy test in a lab and confirmed by your doctor. To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports. Call the doctor right away if any thoughts or actions of suicide occur. Patients who are are 65 or older should use Depakene (valproic acid capsules) with care as they could have more side effects.

Do I need a prescription to order Depakene?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Depakene.