In the last decade, two other medications, effective for long term treatment of bipolar disorder, have been promoted. The anti convulsant carbamazepine comes close to being an alternative first line therapy to lithium. Valproic acid and its analogs are hepatotoxic and are contraindicated in patients with hepatic disease or significant hepatic dysfunction. Use with extreme caution in patients with a prior history of hepatic disease. Summary There is limited evidence that the augmentation of antipsychotics with valproate may be effective for overall response and also for specific symptoms, especially in terms of excitement and aggression. Depakote has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and are then compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. Are there potential interaction issues for people taking Depakote and any other drugs? There are hundreds of drugs which are known to interact with Depakote in major, moderate, or mild ways, so let your doctor know what other medications you are taking before you begin taking the medication. Depakote (divalproex sodium) is a stable coordination compound comprised of sodium valproate and valproic acid used to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, epilepsy, and migraine headaches. For the Consumer. Applies to divalproex sodium: oral capsule delayed release, oral tablet delayed release, oral tablet extended release. Along with its needed effects, divalproex sodium (the active ingredient contained in Depakote) may cause some unwanted effects. Mania. Depakote (divalproex sodium) is a valproate and is indicated for the treatment of the manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. A manic episode is a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood. I'm glad I got off dilantin but I was on it for the better part of 10 years in my teens and early 20s. I know osteoporosis is a well-documented effect of long term use, and it can coarsen the facial features. Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) is an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer used to treat several conditions, including seizure disorders, acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder, and migraine headaches.