Clinical information
Common uses
- manic or mixed episodes of bipolar disorder
- complex partial and absence seizures
- prevention of migraine headaches
Common side effects
- stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
- sleepiness and dizziness
- tremor
- hair loss
- headache and trouble sleeping
Cautions
- boxed warning: liver failure, mostly in the first 6 months
- boxed warning: life-threatening pancreatitis
- boxed warning: serious birth defects and lower IQ after pregnancy exposure
- may increase suicidal thoughts or behaviour
Interactions
- carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, rifampin (lower valproate levels)
- aspirin and carbapenem antibiotics (monitor valproate levels)
- lamotrigine, phenytoin, diazepam (valproate raises their levels)
- topiramate (high ammonia and encephalopathy risk)
- warfarin (blood thinner) — dose may need adjusting
- cannabidiol (liver enzyme elevations)
Pregnancy: avoid — can cause serious birth defects; contraindicated for migraine prevention
Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: DailyMed, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov, divalproex sodium extended-release label, setid 352b4c3c-e419-4827-9e00-febb0164e0f5 (accessed 2026-08-16)