What is the generic name of Depakene?
Valproic (val-PRO-ik) acid is the generic name (non-brand name) of a widely used type of seizure medicine. The brand-name form of valproic acid in the United States and Canada is Depakene.
What kind of medication is Depakene?
Depakene (valproic acid) is an antiepileptic used to treat various types of seizure disorders. Depakene is sometimes used together with other seizure medications.
Is Depakene and Depakote the same thing?
The biggest difference between Depakene and Depakote lies in how the body breaks them down. Depakene is made of valproic acid only. Depakote is made by combining valproic acid and sodium valproate (another similar chemical) in a lab.
How quickly does Depakene work?
Tablets take 4 hours to reach a peak, Depakote sprinkles take just over three. Food can delay the absorption of Depakote (food has a more significant effect on the tablets compared with the sprinkles). It may take several weeks of regular dosing before an effect on mood or seizure frequency is reported.
Is Depakene immediate release?
Depakote Delayed-Release Tablets are “delayed-release,” which means they have a special coating that prevents the drug from dissolving too early in the digestive tract. Available in three strengths, Depakote Delayed-Release Tablets must be taken twice a day, as prescribed by your doctor.
Can Depakote damage your kidneys?
In addition, older adults may have certain health conditions that affect how their bodies respond to Depakote and Depakote ER. These include dementia (problems with thinking, memory, and communication), kidney problems, and liver problems. These conditions could raise their risk of side effects from the drug.
Why was depakene discontinued?
This product has been in shortage since January, so stock levels have been depleted over the past few months. Some pharmacies may still have a small amount on hand but may not be able to replenish what they have. Other pharmacies may already be out-of-stock.
Is Depakene still available?
The Depakene brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. If generic versions of this product have been approved by the FDA, there may be generic equivalents available.
Is valproic acid Safe?
Many people can take valproic acid safely for many months or years. However there are potential side effects that can happen over a long time. Long-term treatment with valproic acid can cause osteoporosis and osteopenia (increasing your risk of breaking a bone).
Is valproic acid a high risk medication?
Valproic acid can cause serious birth defects (physical problems that are present at birth), especially affecting the brain and spinal cord and can also cause lower intelligence and problems with movement and coordination, learning, communication, emotions, and behavior in babies exposed to valproic acid before birth.
What is the structure of Depakene?
Depakene Description. Depakene (valproic acid) is a carboxylic acid designated as 2-propylpentanoic acid. It is also known as dipropylacetic acid. Valproic acid has the following structure: Valproic acid (pKa 4.8) has a molecular weight of 144 and occurs as a colorless liquid with a characteristic odor.
What is Depakene (valproic acid)?
Depakene (valproic acid) is available as orange-colored soft gelatin capsules of 250 mg valproic acid, bearing the trademark Depakene for product identification, in bottles of 100 capsules and as a red Oral Solution containing the equivalent of 250 mg valproic acid per 5 mL as the sodium salt in bottles of 16 ounces.
What should I know about Depakene before taking it?
Do not take Depakene (valproic acid capsules) to prevent migraine headaches if you are pregnant or if you are not using birth control to prevent pregnancy. This medicine may cause very bad and sometimes deadly pancreas problems (pancreatitis).
Can Depakene cause high blood levels of ammonia?
High blood levels of ammonia have happened with Depakene (valproic acid capsules). This can lead to certain brain problems. In some people, this has been deadly. Talk with the doctor. Some people have had certain brain problems without high blood levels of ammonia.