Valproate Sodium (val-PROE-ate SOE-dee-um)

Treats different types of seizures (epilepsy). This medicine is an anticonvulsant.

Brand Name(s):

Depacon

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use aspirin without your doctor's OK.
• There are many other drugs that can interact with valproate. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicine you are using, especially blood thinners, and medicine to treat seizures, depression, or mood problems.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have had a recent head injury. Make sure your doctor knows if you have a history of coma, unexplained mental or behavior problems, frequent vomiting, a family history of urea cycle disorders, or a family history of unexplained infant deaths. Tell your doctor if you have HIV or AIDS, or if you have an infection caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV).
• If this medicine is to be given to your child, make sure the doctor knows if your child is under the age of two years old, or if he is using other medicine to treat seizures. Tell the doctor if your child was born with a disease that affects his metabolism (energy-making process of the body). Make sure the doctor knows if your child has mental retardation or a brain disease.
• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• This medicine may make you drowsy or less alert. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Chest pain or slow heartbeat.
• Confusion or hallucinations (sensing things that are not there).
• Fever or new coughing.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, severe tiredness, or fainting.
• Nausea, vomiting, or sudden and severe stomach pain.
• Poor seizure control.
• Redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site.
• Swelling in your arms or legs, skin rash, or blistering, peeling skin.
• Tremors (shaking), or problems with coordination (movement) or posture (remaining upright).
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Vision changes.
• Weakness, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, or rapid weight gain.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dark or bloody urine, pain or burning with urination, or a change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Heartburn, diarrhea, or constipation.
• Headache.
• Hair loss.
• Mood changes.
• Menstrual (period) changes.
• Tiredness or feeling generally unwell.