What is Stavzor?
Stavzor works by affecting chemicals that are involved in seizures. Stavzor can be used to treat a variety of seizures and disorders. Sometimes it is used in conjunction with other seizure medications.
Stavzor can also be used to treat bipolar disorder, manic episodes (manic depression), or migraine headaches. Stavzor can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Warnings
If you are pregnant, do not use Stavzor for migraine headache prevention. Stavzor can harm an unborn child, but a seizure in pregnancy can harm both the mother and the baby. Stavzor should not be used if you suffer from liver disease, an urea cycle disorder, or a genetic condition such as Alpers’ disease or Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome (especially if the child is younger than two years old).
Stavzor may cause fatal liver failure, particularly in children younger than 2 years old and those with liver issues caused by mitochondrial genetic disorders. If you notice any early signs of liver and pancreas disease, such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, or swelling of the face or skin, call your doctor immediately.
Before you take this drug
Stavzor should not be used if:
- Liver disease
- A urea cycle disorder;
- Gene testing should be used to detect mitochondrial disorders, including Alpers' disease or Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome in children under two years old.
Stavzor may cause liver failure, which can be fatal. This is especially true for children younger than 2 years old and people who have liver problems due to a mitochondrial genetic disorder.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Stavzor will be safe for you:
- Liver problems due to a mitochondrial genetic disorder
- A history of mental illness or suicidal feelings or thoughts;
- A family history of a urea cycle disorder or infant deaths without cause
- HIV or CMV infection.
Stavzor has the potential to cause suicidal thoughts in some young people, potentially prompting suicidal impulses. During your treatment with this medication, you will be required to visit your doctor regularly. You or your family should be aware of any changes in mood or symptoms. If you are pregnant, do not use Stavzor for migraine headache prevention.
If Stavzor is prescribed for seizures or manic episodes, valproic acid may harm the unborn child or cause birth defects. It can also affect the cognitive abilities (reasoning ability, intelligence, problem solving) of a child later in life. A seizure while pregnant can be harmful to both the mother and the baby. You should not stop or start taking valproic acid during pregnancy without consulting your doctor. While using Stavzor, you should use effective birth control and inform your doctor immediately if you fall pregnant.
Inform your doctor when you stop or start using hormonal contraception containing estrogen (birth-control pills, skin patches, implants, injections, and vaginal rings). Estrogen interacts with valproic acids and can make them less effective at preventing seizures.
During pregnancy, seizure control becomes very important. Stavzor may be more beneficial than Stavzor in terms of preventing seizures. Other seizure medications may be safer to use during pregnancy. Stavzor can be taken during pregnancy if it is prescribed by your doctor. Valproic acid may pass into breast milk and harm nursing babies. This medicine should not be taken while breastfeeding.
How to take Stavzor?
Follow the instructions on your prescription label to take Stavzor capsules. Please follow all instructions listed on your prescription label. Your doctor may change your dosage from time to time in order to get you the best results. Take this medication only as prescribed. Do not exceed or prolong taking of the recommended dosage.
While taking this medication, drink plenty of water. If you are not drinking enough water each day, your dose may have to be adjusted. If this medication upsets your stomach, take it with food. Avoid crushing, chewing, breaking, or opening a delayed-release capsule. Swallow the capsule whole.
You may need to have frequent blood tests while using Stavzor. Wear a medical ID tag or carry a card that states you are taking Stavzor. You should let any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical provider that treats you know that you take seizure medicine. Tell your surgeon if you plan to have surgery that you use valproic.
Stavzor should not be stopped suddenly, even if it is working well. Sudden stopping can cause serious and life-threatening seizures. Follow your doctor's advice when tapering down your dosage. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you remember a missed dose, take it without delay. If your next scheduled dosage is coming due soon after missing this one, simply skip it altogether - do not take extra medicine in an attempt to make up for an oversight.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Stavzor side effects can be exacerbated by alcohol consumption. Stavzor can impair your reactions or thinking. Care should always be taken when driving or engaging in other tasks that require focus and attentiveness, such as doing physical labor. Avoid tanning beds or exposure to sunlight. Valproic acid may cause you to sunburn more easily. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen (SPF 30) or higher.
Side effects of Stavzor
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, fever, swollen or painful glands, mouth ulcers, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you notice any early signs of liver and pancreas disease, such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, or swelling of the face or skin, call your doctor immediately.
You should tell your doctor if any symptoms worsen or change, including depression, anxiety attacks, panic attacks, mood changes, difficulty sleeping, or feeling impulsive, irritable, or agitated.
If you experience any of the following side effects, call your doctor immediately.
- Change in mental state, confusion, fatigue, nausea, and a cold feeling
- Easy bruising or bleeding (nose, gums, or mouth) or purple or red pinpoints under the skin
- Severe drowsiness;
- Worsening seizures;
- Signs of inflammation include swollen glands and flu symptoms.
- Severe reaction: fever, sore mouth, swelling of the face, tongue, or eyes, burning pain in your eye, and skin pain. This is followed by a reddish or purple rash, which spreads to other parts of your body, especially your face and upper part.
Stavzor may cause side effects, such as:
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea;
- Fever, flu symptoms, cough, sore neck, sneezing, and runny nose
- Nervousness, depression, sleep problems (insomnia),
- Headache, dizziness, or drowsiness; memory problems; strange thoughts
- Rash, hair loss, bruising;
- You may experience weakness, tremors, or problems walking.
- You may experience swelling in your hands or feet.
- Ringing in the ears, vision problems,
- Weight gain, changes in appetite
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications together. Stavzor may be less effective or cause side effects if you take certain drugs that can increase or decrease your blood level of valproic. Valproic acid may also reduce the effectiveness of other drugs or increase side effects when it affects blood levels.
Valproic acid can interact with many drugs. Included are prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you take, including those that you stop or start using. Provide a list to all healthcare providers who treat you.
