Depakene Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Valproic Acid capsules (Depakene®) can help with seizure control in certain types of epilepsy. This drug also used for other medical conditions, such as treatment of bipolar disorder, mania, migraines, and behavioral problems that are associated with Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

Depakene Dosage

For adults and children, the usual starting dose is 10 to 15 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day. But the daily dose should not exceed 60 milligrams per 2.2 pounds per day.

Uses of Depakene

• Valproic acid is used to treat various types of seizure disorders. It is also sometimes used together with other seizure medications to treat seizure disorders.
• Valproic acid may also be used for other conditions those are listed in this medication guide.

Side Effects of Depakene

Before taken Depakene medicine, you should discuss the side effects with your doctor.  If any develop or change in intensity, then you should inform your doctor as soon as possible. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Depakene. Side effects may include:

• Abdominal cramps
• Breathing difficulty
• Depression
• Hair loss
• Indigestion
• Loss or increase in appetite
• Nausea
• Ringing in the ears
• Sleeplessness
• Vomiting

Warnings and precautions before taking Depakene

• This drug may also be increase the effect of painkillers and anesthetics. So before any surgery or dental procedure, make sure the doctor knows that you are taking depakene.
• It may also cause drowsiness, especially in older adults. So you should not drive a car, operate heavy machinery, or do not participate in hazardous activity that requiring full mental alertness.
• Do not use valproic acid without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
• You should not abruptly stop taking this medicine without first consulting your doctor. Because gradual reduction in dosage is usually required to prevent major seizures.

Drug Interaction :-

If you are taking Depakene with certain other drugs, then it may be increased, decreased, or altered the effects of medicine. So it is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Depakene with the following:

• Amitriptyline (Elavil)
• Barbiturates such as phenobarbital and Seconal
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Ethosuximide
• Felbamate (Felbatol)
• Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
• Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
• Primidone (Mysoline)
• Rifampin (Rifater)
• Tolbutamide (Orinase)
• Zidovudine (Retrovir)

Overdose

After taken Depakene if you feel that overdose is suspected, then you should contact with your doctor immediately. Because it may lead to another serious effect. Symptoms of a Depakene overdose may include:

• Coma
• Extreme drowsiness
• Heart problems

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