Valproic acid trade name?

What are the common trade names for valproic acid?

Valproic acid is sold under multiple brand (trade) names depending on the country and the formulation (immediate-release vs. delayed-release/divalproex vs. liquid). Common brand names include:

- Depakene (valproic acid)
- Depakote (divalproex sodium, which converts to valproic acid in the body)
- Depakote ER (extended-release divalproex sodium)

Exact trade names can vary by market and whether the product is valproic acid itself or divalproex sodium.

How do Depakene and Depakote relate to valproic acid?

Depakene is valproic acid. Depakote and Depakote ER are divalproex sodium formulations, which the body converts to valproic acid after administration. So they may be listed as different trade names, but they deliver valproic acid activity.

Do trade names differ by formulation (liquid, delayed-release, extended-release)?

Yes. Valproic acid products can come as:
- immediate-release formulations
- delayed-release formulations
- extended-release formulations (often under divalproex brand names)

That is why you may see more than one trade name for “valproic acid” depending on what the prescription specifies.

What should you check on a prescription or label?

Look for the active ingredient listed on the package:
- “valproic acid” (often Depakene), or
- “divalproex sodium” (often Depakote products)

If you tell me your country (or the exact label text), I can narrow it to the specific trade name(s) used there.