What Is Depakote Used For?

Depakote^® (divalproex sodium) is a commonly prescribed medication. But what is Depakote used for? This medicine is approved for several different conditions, including:

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 (but does not help treat a headache once it starts).

Healthcare providers may also occasionally recommend Depakote for treating something other than the conditions discussed above. At this time, off-label Depakote uses may include the treatment of:

Agitation
Bipolar disorder (long-term treatment)
Dementia
Hiccups.

(Click Depakote Uses for more information on what Depakote is used for, to find out how this medication works for various conditions, and to learn about the use of this drug in children.)