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Depakote is a prescription delayed-release medicine containing divalproex sodium. It is used for manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, selected seizure disorders, and prevention of migraine headaches. Delayed-release tablets come in 125 mg, 250 mg, and 500 mg strengths and are swallowed whole.
read more about depakote ...Divalproex sodium dissociates to valproate in the gastrointestinal tract. The mechanisms behind its therapeutic effects are not established. Its anticonvulsant activity is thought to be related in part to increased concentrations of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the brain.
Depakote treats acute manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. It is also used alone or with other medicines for complex partial seizures, simple and complex absence seizures, and mixed seizure types that include absence seizures. Another labeled use is prevention of migraine headaches.
Acute mania starts at 750 mg daily in divided doses. Complex partial seizures start at 10 to 15 mg per kg daily, while absence seizures start at 15 mg per kg daily. Migraine prevention starts at 250 mg twice daily and can increase to 1000 mg daily. Tablets are swallowed whole without crushing or chewing.
Depakote carries boxed warnings for fatal liver toxicity, serious fetal harm, and pancreatitis, including fatal hemorrhagic cases. Other concerns include thrombocytopenia, bleeding, high ammonia levels, hypothermia, suicidal thoughts or behavior, and serious drug interactions. Migraine prevention with Depakote is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Depakote treats bipolar mania, selected seizure disorders, and prevention of migraine headaches.
The labeled starting dose is 750 mg daily in divided doses.
No. Delayed-release Depakote tablets are swallowed whole and should not be crushed or chewed.
Yes. Boxed warnings cover serious liver toxicity, fetal harm, and pancreatitis.
DailyMed - DEPAKOTE (divalproex sodium) tablet, delayed release. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=08a65cf4-7749-4ceb-6895-8f4805e2b01f. Date Accessed September 24, 2026.
DEPAKOTE (divalproex sodium) Medication Guide. https://www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/depakote_medguide.pdf. Date Accessed September 24, 2026.
DEPAKOTE (divalproex sodium) Prescribing Information. https://www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/depakote.pdf. Date Accessed September 24, 2026.
Valproic Acid. MedlinePlus. https://www.medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682412.html. Date Accessed September 24, 2026.
Valproic Acid. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559112/. Date Accessed September 24, 2026.