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What is Depakote?

Depakote (generic name divalproex sodium) is a medication that's commonly prescribed to control seizures. It's also prescribed to prevent migraine headaches and to treat chronic pain and mood disorders such as bipolar disorder.

The proper dose of Depakote depends on the condition being treated and the individual's weight and response to the drug. To reduce the risk of side effects, doctors often start patients on a low dose and gradually increase it over the following days or weeks. It usually takes a few weeks before Depakote starts to work.

Don't chew, crush, or break Depakote tablets but instead swallow them whole. If you're taking the capsule form of Depakote (brand name Depakote Sprinkles), either swallow the capsule whole or open the capsule and mix its beads with soft foods like applesauce or pudding. Then swallow the food and beads without chewing. While you can take Depakote with or without food, taking it with food can lessen upset stomach.

Sources:
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2006.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2006.
Depakote Product Information. Abbott Laboratories, 2006.

This answer prepared 11/17/2000.
This information updated 2/7/2007.