Valproate
Mood stabilizer • Last reviewed 2025-09-23
Brands: Divalproex, Depakote
Sources updated 2025 • 1 references
General Information
Indicated for: Mania associated with bipolar disorder; seizures (various types). Mood stabilizer
Dosage & Administration
Typical dose range: 750–2500 mg/day (titrate to level/response)
Therapeutic level: 50000–125000 ng/mL
Indications (label)
Mania associated with bipolar disorder; seizures (various types).
View labelExact
Mechanism (brief)
Increases GABA; modulates sodium/calcium channels.
Metabolism & Half‑life
- Metabolism: Hepatic (UGT, beta-oxidation); inhibitor of several enzymes.
- Half‑life: ~9–16 h (adult).
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM)
Recommended: Yes
Reference range: 50000–125000 ng/mL
Sampling: Trough 3–5 days after dose change
Source: AGNP 2018
References
- Valproate labelExact (2025)
- Valproate monitoring and safety: guideline/consensus — Guideline (2018)
- CANMAT and ISBD 2018 guidelines for the management of patients with bipolar disorder. — Bipolar Disorders (2018)