Valproic acid is used as an anticonvulsant to treat certain types of seizures, to prevent migraine headaches and to treat various psychiatric illnesses such as bipolar disorder and aggression. Drugs that compete for protein-binding sites with valproic acid can increase the concentration of valproic acid. Therapeutic drug monitoring is useful to optimize dose. Measurement of the free concentration is useful if toxicity is suspected.

Synonyms: Dipropylacetic Acid, Depakene®, Divalproex,Depakote®

SST, Serum. Volume 1 (0.5) mL. Stability: Refrigerated – 7 Days, Frozen – 2 Months. Stability: Specimen viability decreases during transit. Send specimen to testing lab for viability determination. Do not freeze. Do not reject.