Generic names:
Brand names:
Note: For the purpose of this document, the medication will be referred to as valproate. Even though valproate is available in different names, strengths, and formulations, all provide the same active medication.
All FDA warnings are at the end of this fact sheet. Please consult them before taking this medication.
Valproate is a mood stabilizer medication that works in the brain. It is approved for the treatment of mania associated with bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression), seizures (epilepsy), and migraine headaches. Bipolar disorder involves episodes of depression and/or mania.
Symptoms of depression include:
Symptoms of mania include:
Valproate may also be helpful when prescribed “off-label” for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, status epilepticus, and some conditions related to a traumatic brain injury (agitation, aggression, and seizure prevention). “Off-label” means that it hasn’t been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for this condition. Your mental health provider should justify his or her thinking in recommending an “off-label” treatment. They should be clear about the limits of the research around that medication and if there are any other options.
Bipolar disorder requires long-term treatment. Do not stop taking valproate, even when you feel better. With input from you, your health care provider will assess how long you will need to take the medication. Missing doses of valproate may increase your risk for a relapse in your mood symptoms.
Do not stop taking valproate or change your dose without talking to your health care provider first.
In order for valproate to work properly, it should be taken every day as ordered by your health care provider.
Periodically, your health care provider may ask you to provide a blood sample to make sure the appropriate level of medication is in your body and to assess for side effects, such as changes in blood cell counts.
If you are planning on becoming pregnant, notify your health care provider so that he/she can best manage your medications. People living with bipolar disorder who wish to become pregnant face important decisions. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor and caregivers.
Valproate has been associated with an increased risk of spinal cord defects (spina bifida). Bleeding, liver problems, decreased IQ scores, developmental delays, and other birth defects have also been reported. There may be precautions to decrease the risk of these effects. Discontinuing mood stabilizer medications during pregnancy has been associated with a significant increase in symptom relapse.
Regarding breastfeeding, caution is advised since valproate does pass into breast milk in small amounts.
Valproate is usually is taken 1-3 times daily with or without food.
Typically patients begin at a low dose of medication and the dose is increased slowly over several weeks.
The dose usually ranges from 1000 mg to 3500 mg or more. Only your health care provider can determine the correct dose for you, as sometimes the dose required is based on your weight.
Valproate tablets: Swallow whole. Do not crush, chew or split tablets.
Depakote Sprinkle® capsules: Swallow whole or sprinkle onto food, such as applesauce or pudding and eat immediately. Do not chew the sprinkle capsule or contents.
Valproate syrup: Measure with a dosing spoon or oral syringe that you can get from your pharmacy.
Use a calendar, pillbox, alarm clock, or cell phone alert to help you remember to take your medication. You may also ask a family member a friend to remind you or check in with you to be sure you are taking your medication.
If you miss a dose of valproate, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is closer to the time of your next dose. Discuss this with your health care provider. Do not double your dose or take more than what is prescribed.
Avoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs while you are taking valproate. They may decrease the benefits (e.g., worsen your condition) and increase adverse effects (e.g., sedation) of the medication.
If an overdose occurs call your doctor or 911. You may need urgent medical care. You may also contact the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
A specific treatment to reverse the effects of valproate does not exist.
Common side effects
Rare/Serious side effects
Studies have found that individuals who take antiepileptic medications including valproate have suicidal thoughts or behaviors up to twice as often than individuals who take placebo (inactive medication). These thoughts or behaviors occurred in approximately 1 in 500 patients taking the antiepileptic class of medications. If you experience any thoughts or impulses to hurt yourself, you should contact your doctor immediately.
To date, there are no known problems associated with long term use of valproate. It is a safe and effective medication when used as directed.
It is important to note that some of the side effects listed above (particularly changes in platelets, liver or pancreas problems, and suicidal thoughts) may continue to occur or worsen if you continue taking the medication. It is important to follow up with your doctor for blood work and to contact your doctor immediately if you notice abdominal pain, sudden nausea or vomiting, or changes in mood or behavior.
Combining valproate with topiramate (Topamax®) may increase ammonia levels in your blood. If this happens, you may get confused, disoriented, or have difficulty thinking.
The following medications may increase the level and effects of valproate:
The following medications may decrease the level and effect of valproate:
Valproate may increase the level and effects of:
Valproate may decrease the level and effects of:
It is very important to tell your doctor how you feel things are going during the first few weeks after you start taking valproate. It will probably take several weeks to see big enough changes in your symptoms to decide if valproate is the right medication for you.
Mood stabilizer treatment is generally needed lifelong for persons with bipolar disorder. Your doctor can best discuss the duration of treatment you need based on your symptoms and illness.
Liver Damage
Serious and fatal liver damage has been associated with valproate, particularly during the first six months of treatment.
Mitochondrial Disease
Patients with mitochondrial disease caused by a certain DNA mutation are at an increased risk of acute liver failure and resultant death.
Birth Defects
Birth defects have been found in babies born to mothers who took valproate while pregnant.
Pancreatitis
Life threatening pancreatitis has been reported in children and adults who take valproate. Signs of pancreatitis include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and inability to keep food down.
Last Reviewed: January 2024
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Important Disclosure: This information is being provided as a community outreach effort of the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists. This information is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. This information contains a summary of important points and is not an exhaustive review of information about the medication. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding medications or medical conditions. Never delay seeking professional medical advice or disregard medical professional advice as a result of any information provided herein. The American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists disclaims any and all liability alleged as a result of the information provided herein.
©2023 The American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). AAPP and NAMI make this document available under the Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Last Updated: January 2016.
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