Stavzor is made by Banner PharmaCaps, Inc. and is marketed and distributed by Noven Therapeutics, LLC.
Stavzor works for epilepsy by increasing the amount of
gamma-aminobutyric acid (
GABA) in the brain. GABA is a natural brain chemical that stops or slows down other brain signals. Increasing GABA helps prevent the abnormal brain signals that lead to a seizure. It is also thought that Stavzor may prevent seizures by affecting sodium channels in the brain. It is not clear exactly how Stavzor works for
migraines or
bipolar disorder.
Stavzor capsules are "delayed release," which means they are specially designed to prevent the medications from dissolving too early in the digestive tract (which can be irritating to the stomach and esophagus). Stavzor is similar to (but not equivalent to)
Depakote® (
divalproex sodium) tablets. Both medications provide valproate in a delayed-release form; however, Stavzor soft gel capsules are smaller and, therefore, easier to swallow, compared to
Depakote tablets.
When and How to Take Stavzor
Some general considerations include the following:
- Stavzor comes in soft gel capsule form. It is usually taken by mouth and is taken one, two, or three times a day.
- You can take Stavzor with food or on an empty stomach. If it bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Be sure to swallow the capsules whole. Do not dissolve, crush, or chew the capsules.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Stavzor that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition being treated
- Your weight
- Other medications you may be taking
- Any other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. 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 can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the most common side effects include, but are not limited to:
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Vomiting.
(Click Stavzor Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Stavzor?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Stavzor if you have:
- Liver disease, such as liver failure or cirrhosis
- A urea cycle disorder
- Mental retardation
- A blood disorder
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
An overdose may cause symptoms that include (but are not limited to):
- Drowsiness
- Heart block (a problem with the electrical system of the heart)
- Coma
- Loss of life.
If you happen to overdose on Stavzor, seek medical attention immediately.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take a dose, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Stavzor capsules come in the following strengths:
- Stavzor 125 mg
- Stavzor 250 mg
- Stavzor 500 mg.
This medication should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. It should be stored in an airtight container. Keep Stavzor and all other medications out of the reach of children.
Generic Availability of Stavzor
Currently, this medication is not available in generic form.
