Divalproex Sodium (Depakote, Epival) Drug for Migraine Headache: Use, Side Effects, Interactions

Divalproex sodium
(Depakote, United States; Epival, Canada)

Use:

Divalproex Sodium, Depakote or Epival is an anticonvulsant used in epilepsy, but also is finding use in migraine headache prevention and some psychiatric conditions.

How It Works:

Divalproex Sodium, Depakote or Epival is thought to act by increasing levels of a neuro transmitter known as gamma aminobutyric acid or GABA. The net result is restoration of the neuro chemicals in the nervous system to more close to normal levels.
Divalproex Sodium, Depakote or Epival is taken regularly for migraine headache prevention, but is reserved for cases where other therapies - beta blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, verapamil - have failed.
Divalproex Sodium, Depakote or Epival is also reserved for use in psychiatric conditions - bipolar mania disorder - when other therapies have failed.

Side Effects:

Divalproex Sodium, Depakote or Epival is generally well tolerated, but nausea, tremor, indigestion, and weight gain have been reported. These side effects disappear with time.

Cautions for People:

Divalproex is reserved for people with migraine headaches or psychiatric conditions that have not responded to other therapies.

Drug Interactions:

Because divalproex is metabolized in the liver, it is able to interact with any drug that is also metabolised in the liver, either reducing or increasing blood levels.

Further Reading:

Arch Neurol 1995;52:281
Neurology 1994;44:647
Med Letter 1994;36:74

Added to Virtual Drugstore August 1996.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.