title: Divalproex sodium in the treatment of adults with bipolar disorder.
abstract: Divalproex sodium (Depakote, Abbott Laboratories) is an anticonvulsant with well-established efficacy in the treatment of bipolar I disorder, manic or mixed episode. Over the past 10 years, an increased number of studies indicate that divalproex has a broad spectrum of activity in the treatment of bipolar depression and rapid cycling, psychotic symptoms, impulsive aggression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Newer formulations of divalproex, namely the extended-release formulation, are now available. The improved tolerability and convenience of the once-daily extended-release formulation has a significant potential to improve patient compliance and thus, clinical and functional outcomes. The use of divalproex in the treatment of bipolar and other related psychiatric disorders is reviewed.
authors.affiliation: University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA. Lori.davis@med.va.gov
authors.forename: Lori L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: Raela
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Marshall
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cates
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry) / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D014635:Valproic Acid