Several conditions can be adequately controlled with Depakote ER. Uses of the medication may include the prevention of migraines and the treatment of epilepsy and mania. The drug is not approved for treating mania in children but can be used for epilepsy treatment in children over the age of 10 and migraine prevention in children over the age of 16. "Off-label" Depakote ER uses may include the treatment of agitation, dementia, and hiccups.
Depakote ER is approved to treat manic or mixed episodes (which have characteristics of both mania and depression). It is not approved for long-term use, once the episode has resolved -- though it is often used "off-label" in this manner.