This page contains drug information on Depakene.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Depakene
the possible side effects of Depakene
what happens if you miss a dose of Depakene
what happens if you overdose with Depakene
the most important information about Depakene
how to use Depakene
other drugs that may affect Depakene
what to avoid while using Depakene
 
Generic Name: depakene (val PROE ik AH sid)
Brand Names: Depakene

What is the most important information I should know about depakene?
 •  In rare cases, depakene has caused liver failure, sometimes resulting in death. Children younger than 2 years of age, especially those taking multiple seizure medicines, those with metabolic diseases, those with mental retardation, and those with organic brain disease are at the highest risk of liver failure. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop loss of seizure control, weakness, fatigue, swelling of the face, vomiting, or loss of appetite. These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage.
 •  In rare cases, depakene has also caused severe, even fatal, cases of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Some of the cases have progressed rapidly from initial symptoms to death. Cases have been reported soon after starting treatment with depakene, as well as after several years of use. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite. These symptoms may be early signs of pancreatitis.
 •  Do not stop taking the medication even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking depakene to prevent the seizures from recurring.
 •  Do not crush, chew, or break the capsules because they may hurt the mouth or throat. Swallow them whole.
 •  Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.
 •  depakene may interact with other drugs that cause drowsiness, including alcohol, antidepressants, antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if depakene is taken with alcohol or any of these medications. Talk to your doctor before taking depakene in combination with alcohol or any other medicines.

What is depakene?
 •  depakene affects chemicals in the body that may be involved in causing seizures. The exact way that it works is unknown.
 •  depakene is used to treat various types of seizure disorders.
 •  depakene may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking depakene?
 •  Do not take depakene if you have liver disease.
 •  depakene is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Malformations of the face and head, heart, and nervous system have been reported. Do not take depakene without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant.
 •  depakene passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take depakene without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
 •  Extreme caution must be used if depakene is used to treat seizures in a child younger than 2 years of age due to the increased risk of liver damage.

How should I take depakene?
 •  Take depakene exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
 •  Take each dose with a full glass of water.
 •  Take depakene with food if it causes stomach upset.
 •  Do not crush, chew, or break the capsules because they may hurt the mouth or throat. Swallow them whole
 •  Measure the liquid form of depakene with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
 •  Your doctor may want you to have blood tests during treatment. It is important for your doctor to know how much medication is in the blood and how well your liver is working.
 •  Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.
 •  Do not stop taking the medication even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking depakene to prevent the seizures from recurring.
 •  Store depakene at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  Seek emergency medical attention.
 •  Symptoms of a depakene overdose include unconsciousness, sleepiness or drowsiness, faint or no heartbeat, decreased breathing, or stopped breathing.

What should I avoid while taking depakene?
 •  depakene may interact with other drugs that cause drowsiness, including alcohol, antidepressants, antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if depakene is taken with alcohol or any of these medications. Talk to your doctor before taking depakene in combination with alcohol or any other medicines.
 •  Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. depakene may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

What are the possible side effects of depakene?
 •  In rare cases, depakene has caused liver failure, sometimes resulting in death. Children younger than 2 years of age, especially those taking multiple seizure medicines, those with metabolic diseases, those with mental retardation, and those with organic brain disease are at the highest risk of liver failure. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop loss of seizure control, weakness, fatigue, swelling of the face, vomiting, or loss of appetite. These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage.
 •  In rare cases, depakene has also caused severe, even fatal, cases of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Some of the cases have progressed rapidly from initial symptoms to death. Cases have been reported soon after starting treatment with depakene, as well as after several years of use. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite. These symptoms may be early signs of pancreatitis.
 •  If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking depakene and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
      · an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing closing of your throat swelling of your lips, tongue, or face or hives)
      · a rash
      · hallucinations
      · loss of coordination or difficulty walking
      · unusual bleeding or bruising or
      · double vision or back-and-forth movements of the eyes.
 •  Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take depakene and notify your doctor if you experience
      · tremor (shaking)
      · weight gain
      · menstrual changes
      · hair loss
      · drowsiness or weakness
      · depression or other psychiatric changes
      · headache or
      · low red blood cells (anemia).
 •  Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect depakene?
 •  Other drugs used to treat seizures such as phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), felbamate (Felbatol), lamotrigine (Lamictal), clonazepam (Klonopin), and others may increase or decrease the effects of depakene and may themselves have increased or decreased effectiveness. Tell your doctor about all other medications that you are taking.
 •  Before taking depakene, tell your doctor if you are taking warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin. depakene may interact with these medications and affect clotting of the blood. You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking either of these drugs. 
 •  depakene may interact with other drugs that cause drowsiness, including alcohol, antidepressants, antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if depakene is taken with alcohol or any of these medications. Talk to your doctor before taking depakene in combination with alcohol or any other medicines.
 •  Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with depakene. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.