What is Valproic Acid: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Valproic Acid

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• You may take this medicine with food to decrease stomach upset.

• Capsule: Swallow it whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, you may open it and sprinkle the contents onto a small amount of soft food (including applesauce or pudding).

• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Capsule: Swallow it whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, you may open it and sprinkle the contents onto a small amount of soft food (including applesauce or pudding).

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• You may take this medicine with food to decrease stomach upset.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

What to do if you miss a dose of Valproic Acid

Valproic Acid contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to divalproex, sodium valproate, or valproic acid. Do not use it to prevent migraine headaches if you are pregnant, or if you have liver disease or certain genetic disorders (including urea cycle or mitochondrial disorder).

Valproic Acid warnings

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, blood disease, pancreas problems, or a viral infection (including HIV or cytomegalovirus infection).

• This medicine can increase the risk for depression and thoughts of suicide. Tell your doctor if you have a history of depression or mental health problems.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Liver problemsPancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)Hyperammonemic encephalopathy (too much ammonia in your blood)Bleeding problems (including thrombocytopenia)Hypothermia (low body temperature)Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), which may damage the organs, including the liver, kidney, or heart

• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children. Some men who use this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children).

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Valproic Acid interactions

• Some medicines can affect how valproic acid works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Amitriptyline, aspirin, chlorpromazine, cholestyramine, clonazepam, diazepam, lorazepam, nortriptyline, propofol, rifampin, ritonavir, tolbutamide, zidovudineBirth control pillsBlood thinner (including warfarin)Carbapenem antibiotic (including ertapenem, imipenem, meropenem)Other seizure medicine (including carbamazepine, ethosuximide, felbamate, lamotrigine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, rufinamide, topiramate)

• Alcohol, narcotic pain relievers, or sleeping pills may cause you to feel more lightheaded, dizzy, or faint when used together with this medicine.

• This medicine can increase depression and thoughts of suicide. Tell your doctor if you have a history of depression or mental health problems.

• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Liver problemsPancreatitisHyperammonemic encephalopathy (too much ammonia in your blood)Thrombocytopenia (decrease in blood cells that affect clotting)Hypothermia (low body temperature)Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), which may damage organs such as the liver, kidney, or heart

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.