Generic name: valproic acid (oral/injection) [ val-PRO-ik-A-sid ]
Brand names: Depakene, Valproate Sodium, Depacon, Stavzor
Dosage forms: intravenous solution (100 mg/mL); oral capsule (250 mg); oral liquid (250 mg/5 mL)
Drug class:Fatty acid derivative anticonvulsants
What is valproic acid?
Valproic acid is used to treat various types of seizure disorders. Valproic acid is sometimes used together with other seizure medications.
Valproic acid is also used to treat manic episodes related to bipolar disorder (manic depression), and to prevent migraine headaches.
Valproic acid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Valproic acid can cause liver failure that may be fatal, especially in children under age 2 and in people with liver problems caused by certain genetic disorders.
You should not use valproic acid if you have liver disease, a urea cycle disorder, or a genetic disorder such as Alpers' disease or Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome.
Do not start or stop taking valproic acid during pregnancy without your doctor's advice. This medicine may harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby.
Do not use valproic acid to prevent migraine headaches if you are pregnant.
Call your doctor at once if the person taking this medicine has signs of liver or pancreas problems, such as: loss of appetite, upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back), ongoing nausea or
