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What happens if I miss a dose (Depakene, Stavzor)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Depakene, Stavzor)?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include sleepiness or drowsiness, shallow breathing, weak pulse, or loss of consciousness.

What should I avoid while taking valproic acid (Depakene, Stavzor)?

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of valproic acid.

Valproic acid may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Valproic acid can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

What other drugs will affect valproic acid (Depakene, Stavzor)?

Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by valproic acid. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines, or any other seizure medication.

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:

• topiramate (Topamax);
• tolbutamide (Orinase);
• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);
• aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol);
• zidovudine (Retrovir);
• clozapine (Clozaril, FazaClo);
• diazepam (Valium);
• meropenem (Merrem) or imipenem and cilastatin (Primaxin);
• rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater); or
• ethosuximide (Zarontin).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with valproic acid. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about valproic acid.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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