• Sodium valproate 200mg, 300mg, and 500mg (Epilim Chrono®) tablets are approved for the prevention and treatment of manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder (unlicensed indication). May be useful in patients unresponsive to lithium. 

Valproate must no longer be prescribed to women and girls of childbearing potential unless there is no alternative and they are on the Pregnancy Prevention Programme (PPP) 

Black Triangle in females

For information relating to alerts regarding valproate, including Drug Safety Updates and links to PPP materials, please use the following link:

MHRA Drug Safety Updates (valproate)

Valproate (Belvo, Convulex, Depakote, Dyzantil, Epilim, Epilim Chrono or Chronosphere, Episenta, Epival, and Syonell▼): new safety and educational materials to support regulatory measures in men and women under 55 years of age (MHRA Drug Safety Update January 2024)

Valproate use in men: as a precaution, men and their partners should use effective contraception (MHRA Drug Safety Update September 2024)

Valproate (Belvo, Convulex, Depakote, Dyzantil, Epilim, Epilim Chrono or Chronosphere, Episenta, Epival, and Syonell▼): review by two specialists is required for initiating valproate but not for male patients already taking valproate. (MHRA Drug Safety Update February 2025)

• Licensed alternative to sodium valproate MR tablets. 

Valproate must no longer be prescribed to women and girls of childbearing potential unless there is no alternative and they are on the Pregnancy Prevention Programme (PPP) 

▼Black Triangle in females

For information relating to alerts regarding valproate, including Drug Safety Updates and links to PPP materials, please use the following link:

MHRA Drug Safety Updates (valproate)

Valproate (Belvo, Convulex, Depakote, Dyzantil, Epilim, Epilim Chrono or Chronosphere, Episenta, Epival, and Syonell▼): new safety and educational materials to support regulatory measures in men and women under 55 years of age (MHRA Drug Safety Update January 2024)

Valproate use in men: as a precaution, men and their partners should use effective contraception (MHRA Drug Safety Update September 2024)

Valproate (Belvo, Convulex, Depakote, Dyzantil, Epilim, Epilim Chrono or Chronosphere, Episenta, Epival, and Syonell▼): review by two specialists is required for initiating valproate but not for male patients already taking valproate. (MHRA Drug Safety Update February 2025)