Usage, Directions, Indication and Instructions
This is used to treat certain types of seizures in patients who have epilepsy or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (a disorder that causes seizures and often causes developmental delays), used to increase the time between episodes of depression, mania (frenzied or abnormally excited mood), and other abnormal moods in patients with bipolar I disorder (manic-depressive disorder; a disease that causes episodes of depression, episodes of mania, and other abnormal moods).
Adverse Reactions, Precautions and Warning
You should know that your mental health may change in unexpected ways, and you may become suicidal while you are in treatment of epilepsy, mental illness, or other conditions. Tell your doctor if you are taking valproic acid (Depakene) or divalproex (Depakote). Serious rashes usually develop during the first 2-8 weeks of treatment, but can develop at any time. If you develop any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: rash; fever; swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; hoarseness; difficulty breathing or swallowing; upset stomach; extreme tiredness; unusual bruising or bleeding; lack of energy; loss of appetite; pain in the upper right part of the stomach; yellowing of the skin or eyes; flu-like symptoms; pale skin; headache; dizziness; fast heartbeat; weakness;; shortness of breath; sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection; dark red or cola-colored urine; muscle weakness or aching; or painful sores in your mouth or around your eyes.
Dosage and Administration
Patients more than 12 years old not taking Sodium Valproate (Depakote, Depakene): Initially takes 25mg once daily followed by 50mg once a day for 2 weeks.
Patients taking Sodium Valproate (Depakote, Depakene):
Initially takes 25mg on alternate days for 2 weeks.
Maintenance: 100-200mg/day once a day or in 2 divided doses.
This may be given with foods or fluids. You should be sure that you receive same medication and not one of the similar medications each time you fill your prescription. If you are taking the chewable dispersible tablets, you may swallow them whole, chew them, or dissolve them in liquid. If you chew the tablets, drink a small amount of water or diluted fruit juice afterward to wash down the medication.
Important
This may control your condition, but it will not cure it. Continue taking even if you feel well and don’t stop without talking to your doctor. If you do stop for any reason, do not start taking again without talking to your doctor.