Deprakine
Deprakine is a medicine used to treat epilepsy and mania, which is a state of extreme excitement or high mood.
Form
depottabletti
Strength
500 mg
Active Ingredient
Sodium valproate
Manufacturer
Sanofi Oy
How to Use
Dosage
Your doctor will tell you the exact dose. For epilepsy, adults usually start with 600-1500 mg daily. For mania, the usual starting dose is 750 mg, and average daily dose is 1000-2000 mg.
Method
Take the tablets by mouth. Swallow them whole with water. Do not chew or crush.
Important
Your doctor will determine your maximum daily dose. Do not exceed the prescribed amount.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Tremors (shaking)
- •Birth defects and developmental problems (if taken during pregnancy)
- •Anemia (low red blood cells), low platelet count
- •Changes in blood sodium or insulin levels, low "good" cholesterol (HDL), weight loss or gain
- •Confusion, hallucinations, aggression, agitation, difficulty concentrating, loss of appetite
- •Drowsiness, memory problems, headache, fast uncontrolled eye movements, dizziness
- •Deafness
- •Vomiting, upper stomach pain, diarrhea (especially at the start of treatment), gum problems, mouth inflammation
- •Allergic reactions, temporary hair loss, nail problems, menstrual pain
RARE
- •Low blood cell counts (pancytopenia, leukopenia)
- •Reduced urine output due to hormone changes, increased male hormones with symptoms like excessive hair growth (hirsutism), male pattern baldness, acne (in women)
- •Temporary Parkinson-like symptoms, poor coordination (ataxia), tingling or numbness in hands or feet, worsening seizures
- •Inflammation of small blood vessels
- •Skin reactions like rashes, unusual hair growth, changes in hair color or texture, reduced bone density, bone loss, or fractures
- •Irregular or absent periods
- •Low body temperature (hypothermia), swelling in feet and legs
- •Bone marrow stem cell disorder, impaired blood cell production (e.g., lack of red blood cells, increased red blood cell size, lack of certain white blood cells)
- •Underactive thyroid gland
- •Too much ammonia in the blood
- •Abnormal behavior, very active (psychomotor hyperactivity), learning difficulties, sleep problems, speech problems, coordination problems
- •Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- •Muscle pain and weakness (rhabdomyolysis, sudden muscle damage)
- •Bedwetting or needing to urinate more often
- •Polycystic ovaries
- •Male infertility (often temporary after stopping treatment or reducing dose)
- •Blood clotting problems (seen in blood tests)
- •Low vitamin B8 (biotin) levels
- •Increased eosinophils (a type of white blood cell), reduced blood clotting factors
- •Psychosis, anxiety, depression
Important Warnings
- Valproate can seriously harm an unborn baby if used during pregnancy. If you are a woman who can have children, you must use effective birth control throughout Deprakine treatment without interruption. Contact your doctor immediately if you plan to get pregnant or think you are pregnant.
- Do not stop taking Deprakine without your doctor's advice, as your condition may worsen.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of severe skin reactions, like a rash with blisters, peeling skin, or mouth sores.
- Tell your doctor right away if you or your child suddenly get sick, especially in the first six months of treatment, with repeated vomiting, severe tiredness, stomach pain, sleepiness, weakness, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes, swollen legs, worsening epilepsy, or generally feeling unwell. These can be signs of liver or pancreas problems.
- The risk of liver damage is higher in children under 3 years old, or in people who take other epilepsy medicines or have other nervous system or metabolic diseases, or a severe type of epilepsy.
Show 3 more warnings
- Tell your doctor immediately if you or your child experience balance or coordination problems, severe drowsiness, reduced alertness, or vomiting while taking Deprakine. These could be signs of too much ammonia in the blood.
- If you have thoughts of harming yourself or suicide, contact your doctor immediately.
- This medicine can sometimes worsen seizures or make them happen more often. If this happens, contact your doctor immediately.
Use in Elderly Patients
Category C
Suitable for older adults, with specific precautions. Low serum albumin levels increase the response. Consider potential adverse effects, such as hyponatraemia och hematological changes. Monitor liver function. (updated 10.11.2025)