Can I stop taking valproic acid?

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Do not stop taking valproic acid without talking to your doctor, even if you experience side effects such as unusual changes in behavior or mood or if you find out that you are pregnant. If you suddenly stop taking valproic acid, you may experience a severe, long-lasting and possibly life-threatening seizure.

Also to know is, can you suddenly stop taking Depakote?

Do not stop taking Depakote without first talking to your doctor. Stopping Depakote suddenly can cause serious problems, including seizures that do not stop (also known as “status epilepticus”). Please see Full Prescribing Information with Medication Guide for the complete list of side effects.

What should be monitored when taking valproic acid?

The valproic acid test is used to measure and monitor the amount of valproic acid in the blood and determine whether the drug concentration is within the therapeutic range. The prescribed dose of the drug may be adjusted up or down depending on the results of the blood test.

Is valproic acid addictive?

Valproic acid is not addictive. You will not have “cravings” for it like some people do with nicotine or street drugs.

Is Depakote and Valproic acid the same?

Valproic acid and its derivative, divalproex, are oral drugs that are used for the treatment of convulsions, migraines and bipolar disorder. The active ingredient in both products is valproic acid. Divalproex is converted to valproic acid in the stomach.

What is valproic acid toxicity?

Valproic acid (2-propylpentanoic acid; VPA) is a branched-chain carboxylic acid introduced as an anti-epileptic drug in 1978 in the United States. Although acute VPA intoxication frequently results in mild, self-limited central nervous system depression, serious toxicity and death may occur.

Is valproic acid a controlled substance?

When treating epilepsy: There is positive evidence of human fetal risk during pregnancy. When treating migraine: Not for use in pregnancy. Valproic acid 250 mg is not a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

What is the other name for valproic acid?

Valproic acid is used to treat certain types of seizures (epilepsy). This medicine is an anticonvulsant that works in the brain tissue to stop seizures. Valproic acid is also used to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness), and helps prevent migraine headaches.

How long does it take for valproic acid to work?

How long does it take for valproic acid to work? In clinical studies, patients have been found to begin responding to the effects of valproic acid after five to ten days of treatment.

What is a Depakote level test?

The therapeutic range for valproic acid (total) is 50-125 µg/mL. The toxic level is greater than 150 µg/mL. The therapeutic range for valproic acid (free) is 6-22 µg/mL. The toxic level is greater than 50 µg/mL; above this threshold concentration, the binding sites on plasma albumin begin to become saturated.

What is valproic acid on a blood test?

A valproic acid test measures the amount of valproic acid, which is an anticonvulsant medicine, in a blood sample. Valproic acid is prescribed primarily to prevent seizures. The seizure disorder epilepsy is a nervous system condition that causes electrical signals in the brain to misfire.

What are the side effects of valproic acid?

Common side effects may include:

  • nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea;
  • fever, flu symptoms, cough, sore throat, sneezing, runny nose;
  • nervousness, depression, sleep problems (insomnia);
  • headache, dizziness, drowsiness, memory problems, unusual thoughts;
  • rash, hair loss, bruising;

    • What are the side effects of sodium valproate?

    Common adverse effects of valproate include nausea, upper abdominal cramps, abnormal liver function, weight gain and diarrhoea. Neurological adverse effects such as tremor, fatigue, sedation, confusion and dizziness are often observed.

    Can you suddenly stop taking Depakote?

    Do not stop taking Depakote without first talking to your doctor. Stopping Depakote suddenly can cause serious problems, including seizures that do not stop (also known as “status epilepticus”). Please see Full Prescribing Information with Medication Guide for the complete list of side effects.

    How long does it take for Abilify to be out of your system?

    The mean elimination half-life for Abilify (aripiprazole) is about 75 hours. Typically it takes 5 half-lives for a medication to get out of your system. With that being said, it will take approximately 375 hours (16 days) for Abilify (aripiprazole) to completely leave your body.

    What are the long term effects of taking Depakote?

    Side effects of Depakote include:

  • drowsiness,
  • weakness,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • stomach upset,
  • diarrhea,
  • constipation,
  • mood swings,

    • Do you have to take Depakote with food?

    Do not change the Depakote dosage that you take or the times that you take it without first talking with your doctor. Depakote Sprinkle Capsules (for epilepsy only) may be swallowed whole or opened and the contents sprinkled on soft food. You must eat all of the food to get your full dose of medicine.

    What are the most common side effects of Depakote?

    Less serious side effects may include:

  • mild drowsiness or weakness;
  • diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach;
  • changes in your menstrual periods;
  • enlarged breasts, weight changes;
  • tremor (shaking);
  • hair loss;
  • vision changes; or.
  • unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth.

    • Is valproic acid an antipsychotic?

    This article takes a systematic look at the literature regarding the efficacy of using valproic acid (Depakote) as an adjunctive (additional to an antipsychotic) medication for schizophrenia. This medicine is a mood stabilizer and is typically a first line drug for treating bipolar disorder.

    What are the signs and symptoms of Depakote toxicity?

    CNS findings in cases of VPA overdose may include the following:

  • Coma.
  • Confusion.
  • Somnolence.
  • Worsened seizure control.
  • Dizziness.
  • Hallucinations.
  • Irritability.
  • Headache.

    • How does Depakote work for bipolar disorder?

    Valproate is a mood stabilizer medication that works in the brain. It is approved for the treatment of bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression),seizures (epilepsy), and migraine headaches.

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