Divalproex (US brand name Depakote®, Depakote ER®, and generic) is an anticonvulsant with mood stabilizing properties. Here is basic information about this medication.
Divalproex (Depakote®) delayed-release tablets
FDA-approved indications
Treatment of manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder
Dosage
Initial: 750 mg daily in divided doses. Administered orally without crushing or chewing the tablet.
Dosage is increased rapidly to achieve lowest therapeutic dose that either produces the desired clinical effect or the desired range of plasma concentrations (usually between 50-125 mcg/mL).
Maximum: 60 mg/kg/day
Elderly: Starting dose should be reduced in these patients. Dosage should be increased more slowly and with regular monitoring for fluid and nutritional intake, dehydration, somnolence, and other adverse reactions.
Hepatic disease: Contraindicated in patients with hepatic disease or significant hepatic dysfunction
Dosage forms and strengths
Tablets: 125 mg, 250 mg, and 500 mg
Please refer to Prescribing Information (see link below) for complete discussion of dosage, administration, warnings and precautions, contraindications, etc.
Divalproex extended-release (Depakote ER®) tablets
FDA-approved indications
Acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder, with or without psychotic features
Dosage
Initial: 25 mg/kg/day, administered once daily.
Dosage is increased as rapidly as possible to achieve therapeutic response or desired plasma level (85-125 mcg/mL)
Maximum: 60 mg/kg/day
Dosage forms and strengths
Tablets: 250 mg and 500 mg
Please refer to Prescribing Information (see link below) for a complete discussion of dosage, administration, warnings and precautions, contraindications, etc.
Related Pages
Different preparations of valproate
What lab tests should we do in patients on divalproex (Depakote)?
When to measure serum levels of mood stabilizers
References
Prescribing information for divalproex (Depakote®)
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Thank you for clarifying,
My query on divalproex sodium plain vs divalproex sodium extended-release (Depakote vs Depakote XR) is, divalproex is said to have a longer half-life (9 to 16 hours and dose-dependent) compared to sodium valproate (6 to 13 hrs and dose-dependent). So, dosing divalproex twice a day vs divalproex extended-release once a day shouldn’t make much of a difference in terms of therapeutic outcome. Hence, is it ok to dose either of these preparations once a day only? And start with loading dose 25-30mg/kg with a rapid increase till a response is achieved.
I also have a similar query about valproate controlled-release preparation vs valproate chrono preparations available in India. What’s their major difference? How to best use them?