Depakene Uses

Depakene uses are primarily concerned with controlling complex partial seizures and simple or complex absence seizures in people with epilepsy. The prescription medicine is approved for use in both adults and children. Depakene may also prevent seizures by affecting sodium channels in the brain. A few off-label Depakene uses include the treatment of agitation, dementia, and bipolar disorder.

 

Depakene Uses: An Overview

Depakene® (valproic acid) is a prescription medication used to control seizures in people with epilepsy. In particular, the drug is approved to control the following types of seizures:
 
  • Complex partial seizures
  • Simple or complex absence seizures.
     
Epilepsy is a brain condition that occurs when there are sudden, brief changes in how the brain's electrical system works. This change in brain activity can lead to a seizure (see Epilepsy Symptoms). Depending on which part of the brain is affected, a seizure may affect the person's consciousness, body movements, emotions, or senses (taste, touch, smell, vision, or hearing).
 
In over half of all cases, the cause of epilepsy is not known. Epilepsy treatments may include:
 
(Depakene Uses Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;