Depakote

Depakote is a prescription medicine that is used for treating epilepsy and manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. It is also approved to help prevent migraine headaches. Depakote, which is available in the form of tablets and sprinkle capsules, is a delayed-release drug. Some possible side effects of the medication include nausea or vomiting, drowsiness, shakiness, and headaches.

 

What Is Depakote?

Depakote® (divalproex sodium) is a prescription medication used to treat the following conditions:
 
  • Mania -- Depakote is approved to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder (manic depression)
     
  • Epilepsy -- Depakote is approved to treat complex partial seizures and simple or complex absence seizures
     
  • Migraines -- Depakote is approved to help prevent migraine headaches (though it does not help treat a headache once it starts).
     
There are several different Depakote products available. This article refers to regular Depakote delayed-release tablets and Depakote® Sprinkle capsules. For information on the long-acting form, see Depakote ER® (divalproex ER).
 
(Click Depakote Uses for more information on what the drug is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Depakote?

Depakote is made by Abbott Pharmaceuticals.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;