Route/Dosage
• Regular-release and delayed-release formulations usually given in 2–4 divided doses daily; extended-release formulation (Depakote ER) usually given once daily
Anticonvulsant • PO (Adults and Children >10 yr):
Single-agent therapy (complex partial seizures)—Initial dose of 10–15 mg/kg/day in 1–4 divided doses; 
by 5–10 mg/kg/day weekly until therapeutic response achieved (not to exceed 60 mg/kg/day); when daily dosage exceeds 250 mg, give in divided doses.
Polytherapy (complex partial seizures)—Initial dose of 10–15 mg/kg/day; by 5–10 mg/kg/day weekly until therapeutic response achieved (not to exceed 60 mg/kg/day); when daily dosage exceeds 250 mg, give in divided doses.
• PO (Adults and Children >2 yr [>10 yr for Depakote ER]):
Simple and complex absence seizures-Initial dose of 15 mg/kg/day in 1–4 divided doses; by 5–10 mg/kg/day weekly until therapeutic response achieved (not to exceed 60 mg/kg/day); when daily dosage exceeds 250 mg, give in divided doses.
• IV (Adults and Children): Give same daily dose and at same frequency as was given orally; switch to oral formulation as soon as possible.
• Rect (Adults and Children): Dilute syrup 1:1 with water for use as a retention enema. Give 17–20 mg/kg load, maintenance 10–15 mg/kg/dose q 8 hr.
Mood Stabilizer• PO (Adults):
Depakote—Initial dose of 750 mg/day in divided doses initially, titrated rapidly to desired clinical effect or trough plasma levels of 50–125 mcg/ml (not to exceed 60 mg/kg/day).
Depakote ER- Initial dose of 25 mg/kg once daily; titrated rapidly to desired clinical effect of trough plasma levels of 85–125 mcg/ml (not to exceed 60 mg/kg/day).
Migraine Prevention• PO (Adults and Children >=16 yr):
Depakote—250 mg twice daily (up to 1000 mg/day).
Depakote ER—500 mg once daily for 1 wk, then to 1000 mg once daily.
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