Warning This medicine may cause very bad and sometimes deadly liver problems. This most often happens within the first 6 months of using this medicine (divalproex long-acting tablets). Depakote® (divalproex sodium) is a valproate that is indicated for the prevention of migraine in adults. It is taken by mouth as preventative therapy to reduce migraine frequency. Valproic acid can be taken with small amounts of alcohol, once in a while. This means your usual dose of valproic acid and 1 or 2 drinks. Drinking a lot, or drinking often (like several days of the week or every day) could affect how valproic acid works. Table 1. Dose Conversion * These total daily doses of divalproex sodium delayed-release tablets cannot be directly converted to an 8 to 20% higher total daily dose of divalproex sodium extended-release tablets because the required dosing strengths of divalproex sodium extended-release tablets are not available. Learn about Depakote® (divalproex sodium), a prescription add-on medication for epilepsy and acute bipolar mania. See if Depakote is right for you. Depakote is the brand name for divalproex sodium (also known as valproic acid), an anti-seizure drug used to treat epilepsy, some mood disorders (like bipolar disorder), and migraine headaches. Divalproex sodium occurs as a white powder with a characteristic odor. Depakote tablets are for oral administration. Depakote tablets are supplied in three dosage strengths containing divalproex sodium equivalent to 125 mg, 250 mg, or 500 mg of valproic acid. Alcohol addiction is a problem when consumed on a regular basis and in high quantities. The higher the amount of alcohol you drink each day, the more likely you are to get addicted to it. Please see the full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide, for additional information about Depakote. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions. Divalproex sodium, valproate sodium, and valproic acid, are all similar medications that are used by the body as valproic acid. Therefore, the term valproic acid will be used to represent all of these medications in this discussion.