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Divalproex commonly refers to divalproex sodium, a valproate medicine sold in delayed-release and extended-release forms. Current extended-release tablets treat acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder, selected seizure disorders, and prevention of migraine headaches. Extended-release tablets are designed for once-daily administration.
read more about divalproex ...Divalproex sodium dissociates to valproate in the gastrointestinal tract. Its therapeutic mechanisms are not established. Antiseizure activity is thought to be related in part to increased concentrations of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the brain. The mechanisms involved in bipolar mania and migraine prevention are less clearly defined.
Extended-release divalproex sodium treats acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder. It is also used alone or with other medicines for complex partial seizures and absence seizures and as adjunctive therapy for mixed seizure types that include absence seizures. Another labeled use is prevention of migraine headaches.
For acute mania, extended-release treatment starts at 25 mg per kg once daily and is adjusted to clinical response or target blood concentrations, with a maximum of 60 mg per kg daily. Epilepsy commonly starts at 10 mg to 15 mg per kg daily. Extended-release tablets are swallowed whole and are not crushed or chewed.
Divalproex carries boxed warnings for fatal liver toxicity, serious fetal harm, and pancreatitis that can be life-threatening. Other concerns include low platelet counts, bleeding, high ammonia levels, hypothermia, suicidal thoughts or behavior, and major drug interactions. Migraine prevention is contraindicated during pregnancy and in certain women who are not using contraception.
Yes. The active medicine is divalproex sodium, which dissociates to valproate after oral administration.
They treat bipolar mania, selected seizure disorders, and prevention of migraine headaches.
Extended-release tablets are intended for once-daily oral administration.
No. They are swallowed whole and should not be crushed or chewed.
DailyMed - DEPAKOTE ER (divalproex sodium) tablet, extended release. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=0dc024ce-efc8-4690-7cb5-639c728fccac. Date Accessed September 25, 2026.
DailyMed - DIVALPROEX SODIUM tablet, extended release. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=283af6d2-8ea2-4225-b2e7-a2057dbdb793. 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.