Depakene
Health Benefits
Seizures can be treated with depakene. Bipolar disorder and migraines are also prevented with it.
Other uses for depakene not covered in this medication guide are also possible.
Side Effects
Depakene's typical side effects include:
drowsiness,
dizziness,
weakness,
weary feeling,
difficulties coordinating,
fuzzy vision
,
dual perception,
(Trembling, shaking)
issues with sleep (insomnia), or
decrease in appetite.
Depakene's harmful side effects include:
mental/emotional changes (such as depression and suicidal thoughts),
easy bleeding or bruising
unusual fatigue,
shady urine
yellowing skin and eyes.
Liver failure can result from depakene. If you experience any of the following symptoms of liver failure: persistent nausea or vomiting, appetite loss, stomach or abdominal pain, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, seek emergency medical attention.
There may be additional side effects; this is not a comprehensive list.
Dosage
Depakene should be taken at a starting dose of 250 mg twice daily.The maximum daily dose advised is 1,000 mg.
Mechanism of Action
An anticonvulsant drug is depakene.It reduces the nerve impulses that lead to seizures in order to work.Depakene also affects the brain's electrical activity by stabilizing it.
Interactions
There could be drug interactions with depakene.Give your doctor a complete list of all the drugs and supplements you take.Depakene should only be taken during pregnancy if it has been prescribed.Small amounts of this medication are excreted in breast milk.Before breastfeeding, speak with your doctor.
Pharmacokinetics
Depakene is quickly and entirely absorbed from the digestive tract following oral administration.
Distribution: Following oral administration of a 250 mg capsule, the mean volume of distribution is 1.4 L/kg.
Depakene is metabolized to valproic acid, a metabolite that has pharmacological activity. GABA concentrations in the brain rise as a result of valproic acid's inhibition of GABA transaminase.
Excretion: After a single oral dose of 250 mg of 14C-labeled Depakene, approximately 96% of the radioactive dose was recovered as valproic acid or its metabolites in the urine and feces in healthy volunteers.
Half-Life
Depakene has a half-life of 8–12 hours.