Depakote Extended-Release Tablet Indications/Uses

Epilepsy: Divalproex sodium extended-release tablets are indicated as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy in the treatment of adults and children 10 years or older with complex partial seizures that occur either in isolation or in association with other types of seizures.
Divalproex sodium extended-release tablets are also indicated for use as sole and adjunctive therapy in the treatment of simple and complex absence seizures in adults and children 10 years of age or older, and adjunctively in adults and children 10 years of age or older with multiple seizure types that include absence seizures.
Simple absence is defined as very brief clouding of the sensorium or loss of consciousness accompanied by certain generalized epileptic discharges without other detectable clinical signs. Complex absence is the term used when other signs are also present.
Mania: Divalproex sodium tablets are indicated for the treatment of the acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder.
A manic episode is a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood. Typical symptoms of mania include pressure of speech, motor hyperactivity, reduced need for sleep, flight of ideas, grandiosity, poor judgment, aggressiveness, and possible hostility.
The efficacy of divalproex sodium extended-release tablets is based in part on studies of divalproex sodium delayed release tablets in this indication, and was confirmed in a 3-week trial with patients meeting DSM-IV TR criteria for bipolar I disorder, manic or mixed type, who were hospitalized for acute mania (see Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Clinical Studies under Actions).
The safety and effectiveness of divalproex sodium for long-term use in mania, i.e., more than three weeks, has not been systematically evaluated in controlled clinical trials. Therefore, physicians who elect to use divalproex sodium for extended periods should continually reevaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient.
Migraine: Divalproex sodium tablets are indicated for prophylaxis of migraine headaches. There is no evidence that divalproex sodium is useful in the acute treatment of migraine headaches.
Because valproic acid may be a hazard to the fetus, divalproex sodium should not be considered for women of childbearing potential unless the drug is essential to the management of her medical condition (see Precautions) Divalproex sodium is contraindicated for use in prophylaxis of migraine headaches in pregnant women (see Contraindications and Precautions).