Depacon

1 What is Depacon?

Brand: Depacon

Generic: Valproate Sodium

Depacon injection is an anticonvulsant used for the treatment of certain types of seizures. This drug works on the voltage-dependent sodium channels of brain tissue to stop seizures.

This drug is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your healthcare professional.

2 What to Know Before Using

Before using Depacon, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. 

Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications. Studies in children have not demonstrated any pediatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of valproate sodium injection while safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 2 years of age.

Studies in the elderly have not demonstrated any geriatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of valproate sodium injection. 

Adjustments in the dose of elderly may be required since they are more likely to have unwanted effects. Indications of fetal abnormalities have been reported in studies of pregnant women or animals.

This drug is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant because the risk clearly outweighs any possible benefit. Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding. Discuss with your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits of taking this drug while breastfeeding. 

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as:

  • Amifampridine
  • Cisplatin
  • Doripenem
  • Ertapenem
  • Imipenem
  • Lamotrigine
  • Meropenem
  • Orlistat
  • Primidone
  • Vorinostat
  • Warfarin
  • Acyclovir
  • Aspirin
  • Betamipron
  • Carbamazepine
  • Cholestyramine
  • Clomipramine
  • Erythromycin
  • Ethosuximide
  • Felbamate
  • Fosphenytoin
  • Ginkgo
  • Lorazepam
  • Mefloquine
  • Nimodipine
  • Nortriptyline
  • Olanzapine
  • Oxcarbazepine
  • Panipenem
  • Phenobarbital
  • Phenytoin
  • Rifampin
  • Rifapentine
  • Risperidone
  • Ritonavir
  • Rufinamide
  • Topiramate
  • Valacyclovir
  • Zidovudine

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as:

3 Proper Usage

Proper usage of Depacon requires strict adherence to your doctor’s ordersA trained healthcare professional will be the only one to give you or your child this drug in a hospital. This drug is administered intravenously through a needle placed in one of your veins. 

This drug is given slowly, so the needle will remain in place for about an hour. You will be switched to an oral drug that works the same way when your condition improves. Consult with your healthcare professional for any concerns.

4 Precautions to Take

Before using Depacon, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug.

Unwanted effects can be screened using blood tests. This drug has teratogenic potential and it is recommended to use an effective form of birth control to prevent any pregnancy. 

Inform your healthcare professional immediately if you think you have become pregnant while using the drug. It is recommended to take folic acid before getting pregnant and during early pregnancy to lower chances of harmful side effects to your unborn baby. 

Check with your healthcare professional immediately if you have symptoms of abdominal or stomach pain or tenderness, clay-colored stools, dark urine, decreased appetite, fever, headache, itching, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, skin rash, swelling of the feet or lower legs, unusual tiredness or weakness, or yellow eyes or skin. 

Check with your healthcare professional immediately if you have symptoms of anaphylaxis such as a fever, dark urine, headache, rash, stomach pain, swollen lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin, unusual tiredness, or yellow eyes or skin.

Seek immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of pancreatitis such as sudden and severe stomach pain, chills, constipation, nausea, vomiting, fever, or lightheadedness. 

Check with your healthcare professional immediately if your symptoms of a blood problem such as fever, sore throat, rash, ulcers in the mouth, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, swollen glands, or small red or purple spots on the skin occur.

Check with your healthcare professional immediately if you have symptoms of hyperammonemic encephalopathy such as unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness or feelings of sluggishness, changes in mental status, low body temperature, or vomiting. 

Check with your healthcare professional if you have unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness, confusion, trouble concentrating, memory problems, trouble walking, talking, or eating, or loss of consciousness while using this drug. This drug can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, reduced alertness. 

Be careful in taking this drug before driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or not alert. Inform the healthcare professional in charge that you are using this drug before having any medical test since the results of some tests may be affected by this drug.

Inform your healthcare professional you have confusion, drowsiness, muscle aches, shivering, sleepiness, or tiredness. 

This drug will potentiate the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants such as antihistamines or drug for hay fever, other allergies, or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping drug, prescription pain drug or narcotics, a drug for seizures, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. 

Check with your healthcare professional before taking any of the above whiles you are using this drug. Consult with your healthcare professional before you take any other prescription or nonprescription drugs, and herbal or vitamin supplements.

5 Potential Side Effects

Make sure you meet with your doctor in using Depacon to avoid unwanted potential side effects. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.

Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as: 

  • black, tarry stools
  • bleeding gums
  • bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
  • blood in the urine or stools
  • chest pain
  • chills
  • confusion
  • a cough or hoarseness
  • crying
  • delusions
  • dementia,
  • epersonalization
  • diarrhea
  • dysphoria
  • euphoria
  • fever or chills
  • the general feeling of discomfort or illness
  • headache
  • joint pain
  • loss of appetite
  • lower back or side pain
  • mental depression
  • muscle aches and pains
  • nausea
  • painful or difficult urination
  • paranoia
  • pinpoint red spots on the skin
  • quick to react or overreact emotionally
  • rapid weight gain
  • rapidly changing moods
  • runny nose
  • shakiness and unsteady walk
  • shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
  • shivering
  • sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
  • sore throat
  • sweating, tingling of the hands or feet
  • trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
  • trouble sleeping
  • unsteadiness
  • trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
  • unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual tiredness or weakness, unusual weight gain or loss, vomiting, bloody nose
  • blurred vision
  • bruising
  • burning
  • crawling
  • itching
  • numbness
  • prickling, "pins and needles"
  • tingling feelings
  • change in walking and balance
  • clumsiness or unsteadiness
  • constipation
  • a cough producing mucus
  • darkened urine
  • difficult or labored breathing
  • dizziness
  • excessive muscle tone
  • fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
  • fear or nervousness
  •  increased need to urinate
  • indigestion,
  • lack of coordination
  • large, flat, blue or purplish patches in the skin
  • loss of bladder control
  • loss of strength or energy
  • mood or mental changes
  • muscle pain or weakness
  • muscle stiffness
  • muscle tension or tightness
  • pounding in the ears
  • small red or purple spots on the skin
  • sneezing
  • sore throat
  • stuffy nose
  • tightness in the chest
  • vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
  • yellow eyes or skin
  • the false or unusual sense of well-being feeling
  • faint
  • dizzy, or lightheadedness
  • the feeling of warmth or heat
  • flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the drug, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. 

If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.

6 Related Clinical Trials

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