Depakene Description

If you or a family member is experiencing seizures due to epilepsy, talk to your doctor about Depakene or generic Valproic Acid. This is an oral anticonvulsant drug that can manage and help to control several types of seizure, including tonic-clonic (grand mal), complex or simple partial, refractory, and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can occur for several reasons, such as not receiving enough oxygen during birth, a brain tumor, head injury, or due to a meningitis or encephalitis infection. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Calm Down the Nerve Activity That Can Cause a Seizure

When taken as directed, Depakene will act by increasing the amount of a natural brain chemical you have, called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). This particular brain chemical, or neurotransmitter, is a natural calming agent that keeps nerve activity in your brain in-check. Raising the amount of GABA in your brain will help stop any abnormal brain signals that could result in having a seizure. There is no cure for epilepsy, but there are effective medications, like Depakene, that will allow you to go about your day with less worry on your mind.

Types of Seizures Depakene Can Treat Depakene

Tonic-clonic seizures are the most common type of seizures and what many people typically think of as what a seizure looks like. There is a loss of consciousness (LOC) as the person falls down. Limbs become stiff followed by the jerky movements of their face, legs, and arms. Sometimes the person will not even remember having a seizure after they regain consciousness.

Complex partial seizures involve the person carrying out movements such as fist clenching, licking their lips, moving their mouth, and maybe walking or talking. These are called automatisms and the person will usually lose consciousness and be totally unaware of their movements. A simple partial or focal seizure can cause you to have muscle contractions, unusual head or eye movements, rapid heart rate, and a tingling or numbness of your skin, but no LOC.

Before Depakene is Prescribed

Ask your doctor if Depakene is safe to take if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding. If the seizures you have cause a loss of consciousness, your baby may be in more danger from a fall than from the effects of Depakene. Discuss other medical conditions and allergies you have and provide the doctor with a list of OTC or Rx drugs you currently take or use. Include any herbal remedies or vitamin and dietary supplements as well so it can be determined if Depakene is right for you.

Depakene Precautions and Recommendations

Until you know how Depakene will affect you, avoid any tasks that require you to be alert. Keep Depakene and all other meds out of children’s reach and away from pets. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without talking to your doctor first. Keep all doctor and lab appointments so your progress can be monitored and dose adjustments made if required. If you start to experience any signs of depression, see your doctor right away.

Possible Side Effects of Depakene

• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation or diarrhea

Drugs Similar to Depakene

• Keppra
• Topamax
• Depakote ER