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| | Author: Joshua Alexander, MD
COMMON USES:
Used to treat complex partial seizures
Used to treat absence (staring spell) seizures
HOW IT'S SUPPLIED:
Tablets (comes in 125 milligram, 250 milligram, and 500 milligram sizes)
Sprinkle Capsules (125 milligrams)
Extended Release (comes in 250- and 500-milligram tablets)
HOW IT WORKS:
While it is not known exactly how this medicine works, scientists believe that it increases the brain?s level of GABA, a calming chemical (neurotransmitter) which makes seizures less likely to happen.
THINGS TO DISCUSS WITH YOUR DOCTOR:
* Can be taken with or without food.
* Sprinkle Capsules work best for children who have trouble swallowing pills.
* Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, weight gain, sleepiness, headache, tremor, rash, or decreased appetite.
* Can also cause blood platelet cells to run low (thrombocytopenia), and hair to fall out (alopecia).
* May cause liver and pancreas problems.
* Should NOT be given to a child with liver problems or urea cycle disorders.
* Blood tests to check liver enzymes and platelet cells should be done before starting this medicine and at regular intervals after starting.
* Taking other seizure medicines like Phenytoin (Dilantin?), Carbamazepine (Tegretol?) or Phenobarbital may lower blood levels of Depakote?.
* May cause spina bifida and other neural tube defects if taken by a pregnant woman.
* Sometimes used to treat Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder).
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