Alternative Uses for Depakote (Valproate)

Primary FDA-Approved Indications

Valproate is effective against various seizure types, including convulsive epilepsy as monotherapy, partial onset seizures, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures, particularly in people with intellectual disability and epilepsy, as noted by the American Academy of Neurology 1
The American Psychiatric Association recommends valproate for acute treatment of bipolar mania and maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder, which should continue for at least 2 years after the last episode, with a strength of evidence rated as high 2, 3
Valproate can be used in combination with antipsychotics for better efficacy in bipolar disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health 3

The American Headache Society recommends valproate for prevention of episodic migraine with a "weak for" recommendation, based on moderate-quality evidence 4
Valproate is used in refractory status epilepticus at doses of 20-30 mg/kg at a rate of 40 mg/min, and is as effective as phenytoin for seizure cessation but with fewer adverse effects like hypotension, as reported by the American College of Emergency Physicians 5, 6

Valproate may have advantages over phenytoin or phenobarbital due to lower risk of behavioral adverse effects in people with intellectual disability and epilepsy, according to the American Academy of Neurology 1

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes that valproate requires clinical and laboratory monitoring, including liver function tests, due to rare but serious hepatotoxicity 2