What is the brand name for Valproate?
The most common brand name for Valproate is Depakote / Depakene.
PTCB TOP 200 · #160
Valproate
Depakote / Depakene
Valproate is the generic name for the brand-name drug Depakote. It is an anticonvulsant / mood stabilizer used to treat seizures, bipolar, migraine. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Valproate ranks #160 and is one of the most frequently tested cns/psych medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Valproate |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Depakote / Depakene |
| Drug class | Anticonvulsant / mood stabilizer |
| Class group | CNS/Psych |
| Common use | seizures, bipolar, migraine |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Valproate used for?
Treatment of seizure disorders (epilepsy); treatment of bipolar disorder (acute mania/mixed episodes) and prevention of migraine headaches depending on product.
What drug class is Valproate?
Valproate is an Anticonvulsant / mood stabilizer in the CNS/Psych group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Valproate
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightVomiting
- arrow_rightTremor
- arrow_rightWeight gain
- arrow_rightHair loss
- arrow_rightDrowsiness
- arrow_rightThrombocytopenia
Major interactions
- arrow_rightLamotrigine → increased lamotrigine levels/serious rash risk (dose adjust)
- arrow_rightCarbapenem antibiotics → markedly reduced valproate levels (loss of seizure control)
- arrow_rightWarfarin/antiplatelets → bleeding risk (platelet effects)
- arrow_rightAlcohol/CNS depressants → additive sedation
Is Valproate a controlled substance?
No. Valproate is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
warning Boxed warning
WARNING: Hepatotoxicity, teratogenicity, and pancreatitis. Valproate can cause fatal liver failure (especially early therapy), major congenital malformations, and life‑threatening pancreatitis.
How to remember Valproate (PTCE mnemonic)
DEPA-kote DEPresses seizure activity — VALproate is 'Very Bad for VAL': teratogen (neural tube defects — NO PREGNANCY, boxed), hepatotoxic (boxed), pancreatitis (boxed); monitor LFTs/platelets/ammonia.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Valproate stacks THREE boxed warnings — liver, pancreas, and birth defects — making it the 'avoid in pregnancy' anticonvulsant; drug-level monitoring applies.
Valproate FAQ
What is Valproate used for?
Valproate is used to treat seizures, bipolar, migraine. Treatment of seizure disorders (epilepsy); treatment of bipolar disorder (acute mania/mixed episodes) and prevention of migraine headaches depending on product.
What drug class is Valproate?
Valproate is an Anticonvulsant / mood stabilizer (CNS/Psych group).
Is Valproate a controlled substance?
No. Valproate is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Study guides that cover Valproate
Free, in-depth guides to the patterns behind this drug — no app needed.
Drug suffix cheat sheetthe suffix that gives away this drug's class
How to memorize the Top 200 drugsa method for locking in brand↔generic pairs
Failed the PTCB? The comeback planwhat to do if the first attempt fails
LASA (look-alike/sound-alike) drugsthe name pairs most often mixed upSee all PTCE study guides or browse the full Top 200 drug list.
Drill Valproate the way the PTCE asks it
RxReflex turns the Top 200 drugs into fast flashcard rounds, a guided Learn path, pharmacy math, and 40+ cheat sheets. Free to start.
Related drugs in the CNS/Psych group
Written and reviewed by the RxReflex Content Team. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).