Brand name: ENCORATE (Sodium Valproate, Depakene)
Pronounced: DEP-uh-keen
Generic name: Valproic acid
Why is Encorate prescribed?
Encorate, an epilepsy medicine, is used to treat certain types of
seizures and convulsions. It may be prescribed alone or with other
anticonvulsant medications.
Most important fact about Encorate
Encorate can cause serious, even fatal, liver damage, especially during
the first 6 months of treatment. Children under 2 years of age are
the most vulnerable, especially if they are also taking other anticonvulsant
medicines and have certain other disorders such as mental retardation.
The risk of liver damage decreases with age; but you should always
be alert for the following symptoms: loss of seizure control, weakness,
dizziness, drowsiness, a general feeling of ill health, facial swelling,
loss of appetite, vomiting, and yellowing of the skin and eyes. If
you suspect a liver problem, call your doctor immediately.
Note too that Encorate has been known to cause rare cases of life-threatening
damage to the pancreas. This problem can develop at any time, even
after years of treatment. Call your doctor immediately if any of the
following warning signs appear: abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea,
and vomiting.
How should you take Encorate?
If Encorate irritates your digestive system, take it with food. To
avoid irritating your mouth and throat, swallow Encorate capsules whole;
do not chew them.
If you miss a dose...
If you take 1 dose a day, take the dose you missed as soon as you
remember. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the dose
you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
If you take more than 1 dose a day and you remember the missed dose
within 6 hours of the scheduled time, take it immediately. Take the
rest of the doses for that day at equally spaced intervals. Never take
2 doses at once.
Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature.
Encorate side effects
Side effects are more likely if you are taking more than one epilepsy
medication, and when you are taking higher doses of Encorate. Indigestion,
nausea, and vomiting are the most common side effects when you first
start taking Encorate.
If any side effects develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor
as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for
you to continue taking Encorate.
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal cramps, amnesia, breathing difficulty, depression, diarrhea,
dimmed or blurred vision, drowsiness, hair loss, indigestion, infection,
involuntary eye movements, loss or increase in appetite, nausea,
nervousness, ringing in the ears, sleeplessness, swelling of the
arms and legs due to fluid retention, throat inflammation, tremors,
vomiting
Why should Encorate not be prescribed?
You should not take Encorate if you have liver disease or your liver
is not functioning properly, or if you have had an allergic reaction
to it.
Special warnings about Encorate
Remember that liver failure is possible when taking Encorate (see "Most
important fact about Encorate"). Your doctor should test your
liver function at regular intervals.Also keep in mind the threat of
damage to the pancreas (see "Most
important fact about Encorate"). This problem can develop rapidly,
so contact your doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms.
In people with a rare set of genetic abnormalities called urea cycle
disorders, Encorate may adversely effect the brain. Signs of a developing
problem include lack of energy, repeated attacks of vomiting, and mental
changes. If you suspect a problem, see your doctor immediately. Encorate
may have to be discontinued.
Some side effects are more likely if you have manic episodes
or suffer from migraines. Your doctor will monitor your care closely
if you have
one of these conditions.Encorate has also been known to cause a very
rare but potentially fatal skin condition. Contact your doctor if you
notice any changes
in your skin.
Because of the potential for side effects involving blood disorders,
your doctor will probably test your blood before prescribing Encorate
and at regular intervals while you are taking it. Bruising, hemorrhaging,
or clotting disorders usually mean the dosage should be reduced or
the drug should be stopped altogether.
Encorate may cause drowsiness, especially in older adults. You should
not drive a car, operate heavy machinery, or engage in hazardous activity
until you know how you react to the drug.
Do not abruptly stop taking this medicine without first consulting
your doctor. A gradual reduction in dosage is usually required to prevent
major seizures.
This drug can also increase the effect of painkillers and anesthetics.
Before any surgery or dental procedure, make sure the doctor knows
you are taking Encorate.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Encorate
If Encorate is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining Encorate with the following:
Amitriptyline (Elavil)
Aspirin
Barbiturates such as phenobarbital and Seconal
Blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin and Dicumarol
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Diazepam (Valium)
Ethosuximide
Felbamate (Felbatol)
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Merrem IV (meropenem for injection)
Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Primidone (Mysoline)
Rifampin (Rifater)
Tolbutamide (Orinase)
Zidovudine (Retrovir)
Extreme drowsiness and other serious effects may occur if Encorate
is taken with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants such
as Halcion, Restoril, or Xanax.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If taken during pregnancy, Encorate may harm the baby. The drug is
not recommended for pregnant women unless the benefits of therapy clearly
outweigh the risks. In fact, women in their childbearing years should
take Encorate only if it has been shown to be essential in the control
of seizures. Since Encorate appears in breast milk, nursing mothers
should use it only with caution.
Recommended dosage for Encorate
ADULTS AND CHILDREN 10 OR OLDER
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. An overdose
of Encorate can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical
help immediately.
* Symptoms of Encorate overdose may include:
Coma, extreme drowsiness, heart problems
