Depakote ER Dosage

For someone who is starting epilepsy treatment with Depakote ER, dosage recommendations are made based partly on his or her weight -- usually 10 mg to 15 mg per kg of body weight once a day. For treating manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder, the recommended starting dose is 25 mg per kg of body weight once daily. Depakote ER dosing for migraine prevention typically starts at 500 mg once daily.

An Introduction to Depakote ER Dosage

The dose of Depakote ER® (divalproex ER) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Your weight
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As always, do not adjust your Depakote ER dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
Depakote ER Dosing for Mania
The recommended starting Depakote ER dose for treating manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder is 25 mg per kg of body weight once daily (about 11.4 mg per pound once daily). Your healthcare provider will probably increase your dose rapidly in order to control your bipolar disorder symptoms.
 
Depakote ER Dosing for Epilepsy
The recommended starting Depakote ER dose for complex partial seizures is also based on your weight -- 10 mg to 15 mg per kg of body weight once daily (about 4.5 mg to 6.8 mg per pound once daily). For complex or partial absence seizures, the starting dose of Depakote ER is 15 mg per kg once daily (about 6.8 mg per pound once daily).
 
Your healthcare provider will probably increase your dose slowly until your seizures are controlled or until you experience bothersome side effects.

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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