Stavzor
Generic name:valproic acid [ val-PRO-ik-A-sid ]
Brand names: Depakene, Stavzor
Drug class:Fatty acid derivative anticonvulsants
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 4, 2022.
The Stavzor brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. If generic versions of this product have been approved by the FDA, there may be generic equivalents available.
What is Stavzor?
Stavzor affects chemicals in the body that may be involved in causing seizures.
Stavzor is used to treat various types of seizure disorders. It is sometimes used together with other seizure medications.
Stavzor is also used to treat manic episodes related to bipolar disorder (manic depression), and to prevent migraine headaches.
Stavzor may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Do not use Stavzor to prevent migraine headaches if you are pregnant.
If you take Stavzor for seizures or manic episodes: Do not start or stop taking the medicine during pregnancy without your doctor's advice. Stavzor may cause harm to an unborn baby, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both the mother and the baby.
You should not use Stavzor if you have liver disease, a urea cycle disorder, or a genetic disorder such as Alpers' disease or Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome (especially in a child younger than 2 years old).
Stavzor can cause liver failure that may be fatal, especially in children under age 2 and in people with liver problems caused by a genetic mitochondrial disorder.
Call your doctor at once if the person taking this medicine has early signs of liver or pancreas problems, such as: loss of appetite, upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back), ongoing nausea or vomiting, dark urine, swelling in the face, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Stavzor if you are allergic to valproic acid, or if you have:
liver disease;
a urea cycle disorder; or
a genetic mitochondrial (MYE-toe-KON-dree-al) disorder such as Alpers' disease or Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome, especially in a child younger than 2 years old.
Stavzor can cause liver failure that may be fatal, especially in children under age 2 and in people with liver problems caused by a genetic mitochondrial disorder.
To make sure Stavzor is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
liver problems caused by a genetic mitochondrial disorder;
a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts or actions;
a family history of a urea cycle disorder or infant deaths with unknown cause; or
HIV or CMV (cytomegalovirus) infection.
Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking Stavzor. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.
