Depakote ER Uses

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 Drug Information

What Is Depakote ER Used For? -- An Overview

Depakote ER^® (divalproex ER) is a prescription medication used for the treatment of the following conditions:

Mania -- Depakote ER is approved to treat manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder (manic depression)
Epilepsy -- Depakote ER is approved to treat complex partial seizures and simple or complex absence seizures
Migraines -- Depakote ER is approved to help prevent migraine headaches (but it does not help treat a headache once it starts).

Depakote ER and Mania

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a serious brain disease that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, and functioning. Currently, it is thought that bipolar disorder may be at least partially genetic (see Bipolar Causes). Between episodes, most people with bipolar disorder are free of symptoms (see Bipolar Disorder Symptoms). Effective bipolar disorder treatment usually involves a combination of psychotherapy (see Bipolar Psychosocial Treatments) and bipolar medications.

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.

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