Depakote ER

Depakote ER is licensed for the treatment of mania and epilepsy, as well as for the prevention of migraine headaches. It has been shown to significantly improve bipolar symptoms and decrease the frequency of epileptic seizures. The medication comes in tablet form and is generally taken once a day. Some potential side effects include indigestion or heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.

Depakote ER Drug Information

What Is Depakote ER?

Depakote ER^® (divalproex ER) is a prescription medication used to treat the following conditions:

Mania -- Depakote ER is approved to treat manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder (manic depression)
Epilepsy -- This medication also 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.

(Click Depakote ER Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes It?

Depakote ER is made by Abbott Pharmaceuticals.

How Does Depakote ER Work?

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that occurs when there are recurring, brief changes in how the brain's electrical system works. These changes in brain activity can lead to a seizure (see Epilepsy Symptoms).

Depakote ER works by increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a natural chemical that stops or slows down other brain signals. Increasing GABA helps prevent the abnormal brain signals that lead to a seizure. It is also thought that Depakote ER may prevent seizures by affecting sodium channels in the brain.

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