Valproate Oral Capsule (VALPROIC ACID - ORAL)

Instructions

Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it.

You may take with food to prevent stomach upset.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Contact your healthcare provider if you repeatedly see capsules or parts of capsules in the stool.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

This medicine is associated with a rare, but serious problem of the liver. Speak to your doctor about the early signs of liver problems and the benefits and risks of using this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Family should check on the patient often. Call the doctor if patient becomes more depressed, has thoughts of suicide, or shows changes in behavior.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

This medicine can cause birth defects. Speak with your doctor about birth control methods that should be used while on this medicine.

This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Always refill this medicine before it runs out.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• blurry vision
• diarrhea
• dizziness or drowsiness
• hair loss
• ringing in the ears
• shakiness
• unsteadiness while walking
• change in weight

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• severe or persistent abdominal pain
• decreased awareness or responsiveness
• bleeding or bruising
• confusion
• swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
• increased eye blinking or twitching
• fainting
• fever
• hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
• fast, irregular, or slow heartbeat
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• shortness of breath
• suicidal thoughts
• swelling in the neck or throat
• severe or persistent vomiting

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.