What is the brand name for Valproate?
The most common brand name for Valproate is Depakote / Depakene.
PTCE 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).
Related drugs in the CNS/Psych group
Drill Valproate the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. 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).