Valproate, valproic acid, and divalproex are widely prescribed in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Recent meta-analyses indicate that valproate is an effective treatment for acute mania but suggest that data on its use for maintenance therapy in bipolar disorder is equivocal and limited.

Strengths:

• Established efficacy in acute mania.
• Long history of use in epilepsy and psychiatry.

Weaknesses:

• Evidence supporting valproate as bipolar maintenance therapy is limited and inconsistent.
• Side effects include somnolence, weight gain, and endocrine changes (including PCOS).
• High propensity for drug-drug interactions.Strengths:

Guidelines