Valproic Acid and Derivatives

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Canadian/Mexican Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used as a treatment to prevent seizures and migraines.
• It is also a mood stabilizer. The mood stabilizing effect may take 1-3 weeks to see.
• Another use includes behavior disorders in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

How does it work?

• Valproic acid and derivatives increases the brain's concentration of a chemical (gamma-aminobutyric acid) produced by our bodies. This chemical slows activity or decrease excitability in the brain.

How is it best taken?

• Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.
• Swallow tablet/capsule whole with water. Do not chew, break, or crush.
• You may sprinkle contents of certain capsules (Depakote®) on food (1 teaspoonful of applesauce for example). Do not chew.
• A liquid (syrup) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
• Do not take liquid (syrup) in carbonated beverages. It may cause mouth and throat pain or an unpleasant taste.
• Do not suddenly stop using this medicine if you have been taking it for a long time. Medicine should be slowly decreased.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines, especially with other seizure medicine.
• You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) and other medicines that slow your actions and reactions. This includes sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, or pain medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Use caution if you have liver disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust while taking this medicine.
• Do not use if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Belly pain and cramps.
• Feeling sleepy or unable to think clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you. Shaking may also occur (more often seen with higher doses).
• Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.
• Weakness.

What should I monitor?

• Check blood work. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Check blood tests (liver function test). Talk with healthcare provider.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Feeling sick, weak, facial swelling, loss of appetite, yellowing of skin or eyes, vomiting.
• Too tired or sleepy.
• Severe nausea or vomiting.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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