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What Is Divalproex Sodium?

Divalproex sodium is a prescription valproate medicine. Delayed-release tablets treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, selected seizure disorders, and prevention of migraine headaches. Common delayed-release tablet strengths are 125 mg, 250 mg, and 500 mg. These tablets are taken in divided doses and are swallowed whole.

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What Is Divalproex Sodium?

Divalproex sodium is a prescription valproate medicine. Delayed-release tablets treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, selected seizure disorders, and prevention of migraine headaches. Common delayed-release tablet strengths are 125 mg, 250 mg, and 500 mg. These tablets are taken in divided doses and are swallowed whole.

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How Does Divalproex Sodium Work?

Divalproex sodium dissociates to valproate in the gastrointestinal tract. The mechanisms behind its therapeutic effects are not established. Its antiseizure action is thought to involve increased brain concentrations of gamma-aminobutyric acid. Blood valproate concentrations are sometimes monitored during therapy, especially during dose changes or interacting drug use.

Which Conditions Are Treated With Divalproex Sodium?

Delayed-release divalproex sodium 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. It is also approved for prevention of migraine headaches.

How Are Delayed-Release Divalproex Sodium Tablets Dosed?

Acute mania starts at 750 mg daily in divided doses. Epilepsy commonly starts at 10 mg to 15 mg per kg daily for complex partial seizures or 15 mg per kg daily for absence seizures. Migraine prevention starts at 250 mg twice daily and can increase to 1000 mg daily. Tablets are swallowed whole.

What Serious Risks Are Linked to Divalproex Sodium?

Divalproex sodium carries boxed warnings for potentially fatal liver toxicity, fetal harm, and pancreatitis. Other concerns include thrombocytopenia, bleeding, hyperammonemia, hypothermia, suicidal thoughts or behavior, and interactions with other antiseizure medicines and carbapenem antibiotics. It is contraindicated in significant liver disease and known urea cycle disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions About Divalproex Sodium

What conditions does divalproex sodium treat?

It treats bipolar mania, selected seizure disorders, and prevention of migraine headaches.

What is the starting dose for acute mania?

Delayed-release tablets start at 750 mg daily in divided doses.

Can delayed-release divalproex sodium tablets be crushed?

No. The delayed-release tablets are swallowed whole and are not crushed or chewed.

Does divalproex sodium have boxed warnings?

Yes. Boxed warnings address serious liver toxicity, fetal harm, and pancreatitis.

References

DailyMed - DEPAKOTE (divalproex sodium) tablet, delayed release. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=08a65cf4-7749-4ceb-6895-8f4805e2b01f. Date Accessed September 25, 2026.

DailyMed - DIVALPROEX SODIUM tablet, delayed release. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b95494e2-ee7a-7415-e053-2995a90ae852. Date Accessed September 25, 2026.

Divalproex Sodium. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/23663956. Date Accessed September 25, 2026.

Valproic Acid. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682412.html. Date Accessed September 25, 2026.

Valproic Acid. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559112/. Date Accessed September 25, 2026.