Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, Pharm.D.
Medical Editor: Jay Marks, M.D.

GENERIC NAME: valproic acid, divalproex

BRAND NAME: Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakene, Depacon

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Valproic acid and its derivative, divalproex, are oral drugs that are used for the treatment of convulsions, migraines and bipolar disorder. The active ingredient in both products is valproic acid or valproate. Scientists do not know the mechanism of action of valproate. The most popular theory is that valproate exerts its effects by increasing the concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. Gamma-aminobutyric acid is a neurotransmitter, a chemical that nerves use to communicate with one another.

PRESCRIPTION: yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes (valproic acid), no (divalproex)

PREPARATIONS: Depakote delayed release tablets: 125, 250 and 500 mg. Depakote sprinkle capsules: 125 mg. Depakote ER tablets: 500 mg. Depakene capsules: 250 mg. Depakene syrup: 250 mg/5 ml. Depacon (valproate sodium) injection: 100 mg/5 ml. Valproic acid capsules: 250 mg. Valproic acid syrup: 250 mg/5mL

STORAGE: Store at room temperature, 15-30°C (59-86°F).

PRESCRIBED FOR: Valproic acid and divalproex are used for the treatment of seizures, bipolar disorder and prevention of migraines. Depakote extended- release (ER) is used 1) for the prevention of migraine  2) as sole and adjunctive therapy for complex partial seizures in isolation or in association with other types of seizures and simple and complex absence seizures in children with epilepsy ages 10 and above 3) for the treatment of acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder.

DOSING: For seizures, therapy is initiated at 10-15 mg/kg/day and increased by 5-10 mg/kg/day every week to achieve the desired response. Response is usually seen when the blood concentration of valproic acid is 50-100 mcg/mL.

For acute mania due to bipolar disorder, treatment is started at 750 mg per day of divalproex delayed-release tablets in divided doses. The dose should be increased rapidly to achieve the desired effect. The maximum dose is 60 mg/kg/day.

The recommended dose for prevention of migraines is 250 mg twice daily of divalproex delayed-release tablets. The maximum recommended dose is 1000 mg/day. When using divalproex ER tablets, the recommended dose is 500-1000 mg given once daily.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Valproic acid and divalproex have numerous suspected or proven drug interactions. Although the following drug interactions refer to valproic acid, similar interactions would be expected to occur with divalproex.

Valproic acid can reduce the number of platelets or inhibit the ability of platelets to stick together and form a blood clot. Therefore, it may exaggerate the effects of other medications which inhibit the stickiness of platelets or inhibit other steps in the clotting of blood. This can lead to abnormal bleeding due to the inability of blood to clot. Such medications include warfarin (Coumadin), heparin or low-molecular weight heparin (Lovenox), clopidogrel (Plavix), ticlopidine (Ticlid), and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, Arthrotec), ketorolac (Toradol) and aspirin.

Aspirin and felbamate (Felbatol) can reduce the elimination of valproic acid and result in elevated blood concentrations of valproic acid.

Rifampin (Rifadin; Rimactane), carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenytoin (Dilantin) can increase the elimination of valproic acid, thereby reducing blood concentrations. Since this can result in loss of seizure control and seizures, adjustments in the dose of valproic acid may be necessary if these medications are begun.

Cholestyramine (Questran) can reduce the absorption of valproic acid from the intestine. Therefore, valproic acid should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after doses of cholestyramine.

Valproic acid can significantly decrease the elimination of lamotrigine (Lamictal), ethosuximide (Zarontin), diazepam (Valium), zidovudine (AZT) and phenobarbital, thereby increasing their concentrations in blood. Valproic acid also increases the blood levels of warfarin and phenytoin by displacing them from blood proteins that they bind to. Since increased blood concentrations of these drugs may lead to an increase in side effects, the dose of warfarin and phenytoin may need to be altered when they are taken with valproic acid.

PREGNANCY: The use of valproic acid during pregnancy has been associated with fetal abnormalities such as spina bifida. The risk of spina bifida in the offspring of mothers taking valproic acid during pregnancy is 1-2%. Valproic acid also may cause reduced clotting in the mother and baby. Because of the risk of harm to the newborn, valproic acid should only be used by pregnant women when its benefits outweigh the risks.

NURSING MOTHERS: The concentration of valproic acid in breast milk of women taking valproic acid is 1-10%. Although the effect on the baby is not certain nursing mothers probably should not breast feeding if they are taking valproic acid.

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Last Editorial Review: 1/10/2006