What Is Depakote?

• Depakote is a medication and is also known as Divalproex or Valproate semisodium. It consists of sodium valproate and valproic acid. Depakote is primarily used as an anti-convulsant. It is also prescribed to help manage the manic phase of bipolar disorder. Depakote is most commonly prescribed to manage the symptoms of epilepsy.
  
  

How Depakote Affects the Brain

• Brain cells must fire, or function, at a specific rate in order to work correctly. Seizures cause brain cells to work much more quickly than normal. Depakote does not allow brain cells to speed up to the rate that is required for a seizure to occur. Depakote acts as a catalyst, encouraging a chemical reaction that acts as a retardant to the mobility of certain brain cells. Depakote stops epileptic seizures right when they first start.
  
  

How Depakote Affects the Brain Chemically

• Depakote enhances Gamma amminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that travels between brain cells. GABA reduces the interaction of messages between other neurotransmitters within the brain, inhibiting the speed at which those cells exchange information. Depakote enhances the effects of GABA , keeping these neurotransmitters from going haywire.