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As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Depakene® (valproic acid); however, not everyone who takes the medication will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Depakene. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list with you.)
Most of what is known about Depakene side effects is based on clinical trials of Depakote® (divalproex sodium), a similar medication. Depakote is changed in the body into the same medication as Depakene. However, it is important to understand that Depakene may be more likely to cause certain side effects, compared to Depakote.
In these studies, some of the most common side effects seen with Depakote included:
- Shakiness (tremors) -- in up to 57 percent of people
- Nausea -- up to 48 percent
- Headaches -- up to 31 percent
- Drowsiness -- up to 30 percent
- Vomiting -- up to 27 percent
- Weakness -- up to 27 percent
- Dizziness -- up to 25 percent.
Some other common reactions, occurring in 5 to 24 percent of people, included:
- Hair loss
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Flu-like symptoms, such as chills or a fever
- Infections
- Double vision
- Insomnia (see Depakote and Insomnia)
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Blurred vision
- Nervousness
- Weight gain (see Depakote and Weight Gain)
- Back pain
- Coordination problems
- Uncontrollable eye movements
- Swelling or water retention in the arms, legs, or feet
- Memory loss (amnesia)
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Increased appetite or loss of appetite
- A fever
- Emotional problems
- Weight loss.
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