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DEPAKENE (VALPROIC ACID)
- None
Contraindicated
- None
Severe
Moderate
- None
- None
Contraindicated
- None
Severe
Moderate
- None
DEPAKENE (VALPROIC ACID)
- None
- None
More Frequent
Severe
Less Severe
- None
- None
Less Frequent
Severe
Less Severe
Rare / Very Rare
Severe
- None
Less Severe
- None
Contraindicated
None
Severe Precaution
None
Management or Monitoring Precaution
None
Contraindicated
None
| General | Excretion Potential | Effect on Infant | Notes |
| None |
Precaution Exists
None
| General | Excretion Potential | Effect on Infant | Notes |
| None |
No Known Risk
None
| General | Excretion Potential | Effect on Infant | Notes |
| None |
Contraindicated
None
Precaution Exists
None
No Known Risk
None
- Rarely, this medication has caused serious (sometimes fatal) liver problems, usually within the first 6 months of starting treatment. Laboratory tests should be performed before you start treatment and periodically during treatment, especially within the first 6 months, to monitor this side effect. The risk of serious liver problems is increased in children younger than 2 years, especially if they have an inherited metabolic disorder, severe seizure disorder with mental retardation, organic brain disease, or if they take more than one seizure medication.<br /><br />Talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication in children younger than 2 years. Due to an increased risk for liver problems, people with certain inherited metabolic disorders (such as Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome) should not use this medication. Children younger than 2 years who might have these disorders should not use this medication.<br /><br />Children older than 2 years who might have these disorders should be closely monitored during treatment with valproic acid. Talk to your doctor for details. This medication has rarely caused severe (sometimes fatal) disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis).<br /><br />This may occur at any time during treatment and can quickly worsen. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of liver problems or pancreatitis such as unusual tiredness, weakness, swelling of the face, stomach/abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, or persistent nausea/vomiting. Taking this medication during pregnancy can cause birth defects and may lower your child's IQ.<br /><br />Women of childbearing age should discuss the risks and benefits of this medication, other treatment options, and use of reliable forms of birth control with their doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately talk to your doctor. If you are taking valproic acid only to prevent migraine headaches, this medication must not be used during pregnancy.<br /><br />If you are taking valproic acid to treat seizures or mental/mood problems (such as bipolar disorder), do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. Untreated seizures and mental/mood problems (such as bipolar disorder) are serious conditions that can harm both a pregnant woman and her unborn baby.
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