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Divalproex Sodium (Depakote)
Divalproex sodium inhibits histone deacetylase and enhances GABA neurotransmission, stabilizing neuronal membranes and reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Divalproex sodium inhibits histone deacetylase and enhances GABA neurotransmission, stabilizing neuronal membranes and reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Used for Epilepsy (seizure disorders), Bipolar disorder (acute mania), Migraine prophylaxis.
At a glance
| Generic name | Divalproex Sodium (Depakote) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) |
| Drug class | Histone deacetylase inhibitor; anticonvulsant; mood stabilizer |
| Target | Histone deacetylase; GABA metabolism; sodium channels |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology; Psychiatry |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Divalproex is a compound of sodium valproate and valproic acid that works through multiple mechanisms: it increases brain levels of GABA (an inhibitory neurotransmitter) by inhibiting its degradation, blocks sodium channels to reduce neuronal excitability, and inhibits histone deacetylase enzymes which affects gene expression. These combined effects make it effective for conditions characterized by abnormal neuronal firing or mood dysregulation.
Approved indications
- Epilepsy (seizure disorders)
- Bipolar disorder (acute mania)
- Migraine prophylaxis
Common side effects
- Tremor
- Nausea
- Sedation/somnolence
- Weight gain
- Alopecia (hair loss)
- Thrombocytopenia
- Hepatotoxicity
- Pancreatitis
Key clinical trials
- Evaluation of Intravenous Sodium Valproate on Interleukin-6 Levels in Patients With TMJ Disc Displacement (PHASE2)
- Sunitinib Malate or Valproic Acid in Preventing Metastasis in Patients With High-Risk Uveal Melanoma (PHASE2)
- A Study of the Effectiveness of Risk Minimization Measures Related to Depakine® (Sodium Valproate) in Saudi Arabia
- Antiseizure Medication in Seizure Networks at Early Acute Brain Injury (PHASE4)
- Valproic AcId for Traumatic BRAin INjury Trial (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Combining Sodium Valproate With Standard-of-care EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) Monoclonal Antibody Treatment in Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (PHASE2)
- Pharmacogenetics-Based Study on Individualized Use of Sodium Valproate (PHASE4)
- Does The Addition Of Divalproex Sodium ER To An Atypical Antipsychotic Drug (APD) Improve Cognition And Psychopathology In Outpatients With Schizophrenia (SCH) Or Schizoaffective Disorder (SAD)? (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |