Depakene

Depakene is used for:

Treating certain seizure disorders. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Depakene is an anticonvulsant. It works by increasing the amount of a certain chemical in the brain.

Do NOT use Depakene if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Depakene
• you have liver problems or a urea cycle disorder

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Depakene :

Some medical conditions may interact with Depakene . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances (eg, peanuts)
• if you have a history of liver problems, cancer, blood or bleeding problems (eg, low blood platelet levels), HIV infection, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, kidney problems, pancreas problems, low blood albumin levels, or high blood glycine levels
• if you have a history of metabolic problems, brain disease, coma, high blood ammonia or glutamine levels, mental retardation, recurring vomiting and sluggishness, or recurring extreme excitability
• if you have a history of mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts or actions, or alcohol abuse or dependence
• if you have decreased food or fluid intake, or if you are scheduled for surgery
• if you have a family history of urea cycle disorders or unexplained infant deaths

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Depakene . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Clonazepam because the risk of seizures may be increased in certain patients
• Topiramate because the risk of high ammonium levels and brain problems may be increased
• Felbamate or salicylates (eg, aspirin) because they may increase the risk of Depakene 's side effects
• Carbamazepine, carbapenem antibiotics (eg, imipenem), hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills), hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), mefloquine, or rifampin because they may decrease Depakene 's effectiveness
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), benzodiazepines (eg, diazepam), ethosuximide, lamotrigine, primidone, tolbutamide, tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline), or zidovudine because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Depakene

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Depakene may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.