Sodium valproate (Depakene) is a drug used to treat epilepsy. It's not clear how Depakene controls epilepsy, but it increases the concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid, a chemical neurotransmitter that carries impulses from one nerve cell to another.
Liver Toxicity
According to RxList, Depakene is almost completely metabolized or broken down in the liver and can cause toxic reactions that can lead to liver failure and death. Children under two, especially those taking more than one antiepileptic drug or whose epilepsy is associated with mental retardation or other metabolic disease, are at increased risk for liver damage and must be monitored carefully. Signs of liver failure include weakness, lethargy, jaundice, nausea, vomiting and lack of appetite. People with liver disorders should not take Depakene.
Birth Defects
According to Drugs.com, Depakene can cause severe birth defects, including neural tube defects such as spina bifida, heart defects and bone defects. Women of childbearing age should receive other medications if possible or use two methods of birth control during treatment with Depakene. The risk of birth defects is about four times as high with Depakene and similar drugs as with other types of antiepileptic drugs.
Pancreatitis
Depakene can cause inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis is characterized by severe abdominal pain, as well as nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Pancreatitis may occur shortly after beginning treatment or after long-term use, but Depakene should be discontinued if pancreatitis occurs.
Suicidal Thoughts
Depakene may cause depression that leads to suicidal thoughts and attempted suicide, so people should be monitored carefully for mood changes or signs of depression during treatment. Drugs.com notes that depression may occur within a week of beginning therapy.
Somnolence
Somnolence, a constant state of sleepiness, may occur in older adults taking Depakene. This may prevent people from taking care of themselves properly or eating and drinking enough. According to Drugs.com, about half of those experiencing somnolence also lose weight because of poor nutrition during treatment.
Blood Disorders
Platelets (thrombocytes) are necessary for blood clotting and to prevent hemorrhage, but Depakene can cause thrombocytopenia, a reduced number of platelets, so platelets should be monitored with increased bruising or bleeding.
High levels of ammonia may occur with Depakene. Hymperammonemia may result in encephalopathy with mental changes, nausea and vomiting.
Hypothermia
Sometimes Depakene causes the normal body temperature to fall to abnormal levels below 35 degrees Celsius or 95 degrees Fahrenheit. This may affect multiple body systems as circulation slows. Hypothermia may also be a sign of hyperammonemia.
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