What Is Divalproex Used For?

Divalproex is used for the prevention of migraine headaches and the treatment of epilepsy and manic depression. While the medication is not approved for treating mania in children, it can be used for migraine prevention in children as young as 16 years old and seizure treatment in children as young as 10 years old. "Off-label" divalproex uses may include the treatment of dementia, hiccups, and agitation.

 

What Is Divalproex Used For? -- An Overview

Divalproex sodium (Depakote®) is a prescription medication used for the treatment of the following conditions:
 
  • Mania -- divalproex is approved to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder (manic depression)
     
  • Epilepsy -- divalproex is approved to treat complex partial seizures and simple or complex absence seizures
     
  • Migraines -- divalproex is approved to help prevent migraine headaches (but it does not help treat a headache once it starts).
     
There are several different divalproex products available. This article refers to regular divalproex delayed-release tablets and sprinkle capsules (Depakote® Sprinkle capsules). For information on the long-acting form, see Divalproex ER® (divalproex ER).
 
Divalproex sprinkle capsules are approved just for epilepsy (not for mania or migraines), although many healthcare providers prescribe them for these uses.
 
(What Is Divalproex Used For? Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;