An Introduction to Valproic Acid Dosing
The dose of
valproic acid (
Depakene®) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The type of seizures being treated
- Your weight
- Other medications you may be taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As always, do not adjust your valproic acid dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Valproic Acid Dosing for Complex Partial Seizures
The recommended starting dose of valproic acid for complex partial
seizures is based on your weight -- 10 mg to 15 mg per kg total per day (about 4.5 to 6.8 mg per pound per day).
If the total daily dose is more than 250 mg, it should be split up into two or three smaller doses. Your healthcare provider will probably increase your dose slowly until your seizures are controlled or until you experience bothersome side effects.
Valproic Acid Dosing for Absence Seizures
For complex or partial absence seizures, the starting dose is valproic acid 15 mg per kg total per day (about 6.8 mg per pound total per day). If the total daily dose is more than 250 mg, it should be divided into two or three smaller doses. Your healthcare provider will most likely increase your valproic acid dose slowly as necessary.
