Overview

Depakene was a prescription drug that was approved by the U.S. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat seizures in adults and children over 2 years old. Depakene helped control absence seizures, tonic-clonic seizures, and related types of seizures. Depakene was also referred to by its drug name, valproate or valproic acid. 

Depakene was an acidic chemical compound used as an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer. Depakene was believed to work by changing the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain.

How was it taken?

Depakene was taken orally as a tablet, capsule, or liquid one or more times a day. 

Side effects

Common side effects of Depakene included abdominal pain, hair loss, blurred vision, amnesia, loss of appetite, weakness, abnormal muscle contractions, upper respiratory tract infections, constipation, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, indigestion, trouble breathing, emotional and cognitive changes, fever, flu syndrome, headache, increased appetite, infection, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, peripheral edema, drowsiness, decreased blood cell counts, ringing in the ears, tremor, vomiting, and weight changes.

Rare but serious side effects of Depakene included liver damage, hypothermia, drowsiness, fetal birth defects, suicidal thoughts, bleeding disorders, and pancreatitis.

For more information about this treatment, visit:

Depakene — RxList