Home
Drugs
Valproate

Valproate

Drug

Also known as: Valproic acid

Drug Profile

Valproate (including valproic acid and related formulations) is an anti-epileptic and neuropsychiatric therapy used for seizure disorders, acute manic or mixed episodes in bipolar disorder, and migraine prophylaxis. U.S. labeling for valproic acid products lists initial approval in 1978 and extensive boxed warnings for hepatotoxicity, fetal risk, and pancreatitis.

Drug Class: Antiepileptic drug (AED)
Approval Status: FDA approved (Initial U.S. Approval: 1978)
Mechanism of Action: Therapeutic effects are associated with increased brain GABA concentrations, though precise anticonvulsant mechanisms are not fully established.

Brand Names

Depacon
Depakote
Depakene

Indications

\Complex partial seizures as sole and adjunctive therapy\
\Simple and complex absence seizures\
\Adjunctive use in patients with multiple seizure types including absence seizures\
\Acute treatment of manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder\
\Prophylaxis of migraine headaches\

Related News

Bipolar Depression Pipeline Expands With 10+ Therapies in Development Across 8+ Companies

Mar 12, 2026

The bipolar depression treatment pipeline includes over 10 therapies from 8+ companies, with recent Phase 3 trials initiated for azetukalner and multiple emerging drugs targeting novel pathways expected to launch by 2036.

Genetic Test Could Enable Safe Use of Epilepsy Drug Valproic Acid During Pregnancy

Feb 16, 2026

Researchers at Monash University have identified DNA sequence variations in mothers that modify the risk of birth defects from valproic acid, an anti-seizure medication, paving the way for a genetic test to identify who can safely take the drug during pregnancy.

Related Clinical Trials

NCT ID	Title	Status	Phase
NCT07226141	Valproate for the Treatment of Residual Amblyopia	NOT_YET_RECRUITING	PHASE1/PHASE2
NCT06929273	A Study to Assess the Long-term Safety of KarXT for the Treatment of Manic Episodes in Bipolar-I Disorder (BALSAM-3)	RECRUITING	PHASE3
NCT06089356	Zolmitriptane as Prophylaxis for Chilhood Migraine	RECRUITING	PHASE4
NCT05431595	Managing Agitated Delirium With Neuroleptics and Anti-Epileptics as a Neuroleptic Sparing Strategy	RECRUITING	PHASE2/PHASE3
NCT05181007	Drug-drug Interaction Between Ciprofol and Mefanamic Acid or Valproate	COMPLETED	PHASE1
NCT04513314	Valproate Alone or in Combination With Quetiapine for Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia With Agitated Delirium	WITHDRAWN	PHASE4
NCT04191863	Sleep Architecture in Valproate-induced Nocturnal Enuresis in Primary School and Preschool Children.	COMPLETED
NCT03940326	Levetiracetam Versus Valproate in Idiopathic Generalized Tonic-clonic Seizures	COMPLETED	PHASE4
NCT03235531	Assessment of Valproate on Ethanol Withdrawal	UNKNOWN	PHASE4
NCT03025906	Phenobarbital Versus Valproate for Generalized Convulsive Status Epilepticus	UNKNOWN	PHASE2