Depakote (generic name: valproate semisodium / divalproex sodium / valproic acid; brand names include: Divaa) is a compound that contains sodium valproate and valproic acid.

Depakote is indicated for the treatment of:

acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder, with or without psychotic features;
manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder;
complex partial seizures, and simple and complex absence seizures in adults and children 10 years of age and older with epilepsy.

Depakote is also indicated for the prevention of migraine headaches in adults.

Depakote is available as 125 mg pills, 250 mg pills and 500 mg ER (extended release) pills containing the active ingredient divalproex sodium.

Recommendations

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Depakote exactly as directed.

Swallow the regular capsules and extended-release tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.

If Depakote upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk; do not take with carbonated drinks.

Take your doses at regular intervals.

Continue to take Depakote even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Depakote without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.

If you miss a dose of Depakote, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light.

Precautions

Before taking Depakote, tell your doctor if you:

are allergic to Depakote or other medicines;
have liver disease or a urea cycle disorder;
are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment; or you are breast-feeding a baby.

Ingredients

Active ingredients: sodium valproate, valproic acid.