Epilepsy Ontario :: Medications

Valproic Acid

Valproic acid is available in Canada only by prescription.

Known as	Divalproex Sodium, Sodium Valproate, Depakene�, Depakote�, Epival�
Uses	Valproate/divalproex sodium is the drug of choice for children with absence seizures who are also prone to tonic-clonic seizures. It is also used for a variety of other seizures, including tonic-clonic, complex partial, photosensitive, and the seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
How to Use	Take your medication as prescribed, at the same time daily. Take it with food, to prevent stomach upset. Use a measuring spoon, available at your pharmacy, to pour syrup. Consult your doctor about discontinuing any medication.
Side Effects	Common at the initiation of use are: indigestion, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal cramps, weight loss/gain, and hair loss. Others side effect may include depression, aggression, weakness in muscles and joints, jaundice, irregular menses, blurred vision, and skin rash. Liver failure has occurred rarely in children under 2 years of age.
Precautions	Do not chew the capsules or tablets. If you have kidney, blood or liver disease, or are breast feeding an infant, inform your doctor: use of medication under these conditions could be fatal. Because of sedating effects, use caution when driving or operating hazardous machinery. Inform your doctor of any anti-epileptic or other medication you take: some combinations could be fatal.
Interactions	Valproic acid may increase the effects of benzodiazepines (Valium�, Librium�, Tranxene�, Xanax�), and warfarin. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and other salicylates (Alka Seltzer�, Pepto Bismol�, Anacin�), and erythromycin may increase the effects of valproic acid. Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and primidone may decrease the effects of valproic acid. Taken with alcohol and phenobarbital, valproic acid may cause severe depression of the central nervous system. Mixtures of valproic sodium and barbiturates may cause poisoning. Use of this medication with clonazepam may cause absence seizures. Use with any anticoagulants may result in excessive bleeding.
Missed Dose	Take the next dose as soon as you remember. Then resume your regular medication schedule.
Storage	Store at room temperature, between 15�C and 30�C, away from children, heat, light and moisture.
Forms	capsules (250 mg, orange); syrup (5 ml, red)

Disclaimer

The material offered at this site is to provide general information about epilepsy to the public. It is not intended to be taken as medical advice. Although all material presented at this site has been thoroughly researched and is believed to be correct, Epilepsy Ontario accepts no liability. Consult your physician and/or neurologist with any questions you have. People with epilepsy should never discontinue anti-epileptic medications or make changes in activities unless specifically advised to do so by an attending physician.