Valproic acid
Definition
Valproic acid is an anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) drug. In the United States, valproic acid is also known as valproate, and is sold under the brand name Depakene.
Purpose
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes valproic acid for the treatment of epilepsy and for mania that occurs with bipolar disorder (previously called manic-depressive disorder). Valproic acid is also approved for the prevention of migraine headaches.
Description
Valproic acid's properties in preventing seizures were first discovered in Europe in 1963. The...
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