Online prescriptions for bipolar disorder

Depakote (valproic acid)

Get a new prescription or a prescription renewal after a video visit with a psychiatric provider. Covered in-network by most insurance plans.

Most insured members have a $0 copay

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Depakote (valproic acid) overview

What is Depakote?

Depakote (or valproic acid) is an anticonvulsant medication. It treats seizures and manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. It’s commonly prescribed if a patient occasionally experiences fleeting cycles of moods and helps by easing brain hyperactivity that can occur during episodes of mania.

What is Depakote used for?

Depakote (and its generic version, valproic acid) can be prescribed to treat a number of mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder. Some conditions Depakote treats include:

  • Bipolar disorder
  • Manic episodes
  • Seizure disorders

What are the side effects of Depakote?

It’s important to take Depakote and its generic form, valproic acid, exactly as prescribed by your clinician. Side effects of Depakote are often mild, but can include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, weight changes, constipation, mood swings, and more. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience bruising or bleeding, fever, rash, hives, swollen glands, trouble breathing, swelling, confusion, peeling or blistering skin, vomiting, and low body temperature.

Here’s how it works

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Schedule a video assessment

Answer a few questions online, then schedule a video appointment with a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.

Receive a diagnosis and prescription

During the appointment your Talkspace provider will listen and evaluate your symptoms and, if appropriate, prescribe medication.

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Begin treatment

Your prescription will be sent to your pharmacy, and you'll have follow-up appointments with your psychiatric provider.

Check eligibility

Medications we prescribe online

Talkspace psychiatric providers diagnose and treat a wide variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and others. For some people, their treatment involves medication. Your provider can prescribe you medication if appropriate for your treatment.
Note: Talkspace does not prescribe controlled substances.

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Any questions?

Find trust-worthy answers on all things mental health at Talkspace.

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Can I get Depakote (valproic acid) online?

Yes, you can get a prescription for Depakote (or its generic, valproic acid) online after a video consultation with a licensed psychiatry provider, if the provider decides that medication is an appropriate treatment for you. Simply sign up for Talkspace Psychiatry then you’ll be matched with a psychiatry provider licensed in your state. You’ll be able to schedule a video appointment with your provider usually within two weeks, often sooner. At your video appointment your psychiatry provider will ask questions about your symptoms and health history, and you can share your questions about medication and anything else. If your provider writes you a prescription for Depakote they will send it to a local pharmacy of your choice and you will pick up and pay for the medication at the pharmacy. You will have follow-up appointments with your provider every three months for ongoing medication management, to make sure Depakote is working for you and address any mental health needs.

Can I get Depakote (valproic acid) over the counter?

No. Depakote (valproic acid) is a prescription medication, so you cannot purchase it over-the-counter. You will need to have Depakote (valproic acid) prescribed to you by a licensed provider who is able to prescribe medications, like a doctor or nurse practitioner. You can get a prescription for Depakote online through Talkspace after a video consultation with a licensed psychiatry provider, if the provider decides that Depakote is an appropriate treatment for you. 

What are the most common side effects of Depakote (valproic acid)?

Side effects of Depakote and its generic form, valproic acid, are often mild, but can include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, weight changes, constipation, mood swings, and more. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience bruising or bleeding, fever, rash, hives, swollen glands, trouble breathing, swelling, confusion, peeling or blistering skin, vomiting, and low body temperature. It’s important to take Depakote exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. 

Can I get a new Depakote (valproic acid) prescription or prescription refill from Talkspace?

Yes, you can get a Depakote (or its generic, valproic acid) prescription or refill from Talkspace, after a video consultation with one of our licensed psychiatry providers (assuming the provider determines that it is an appropriate treatment for you). Simply sign up for Talkspace Psychiatry then you’ll be matched with a psychiatry provider licensed in your state. At your video appointment your psychiatry provider will ask questions about your symptoms and health history. If you are already taking Depakote and simply want to continue with a renewal of your prescription or refill, your Talkspace provider can continue your prescription if they determine it is medically appropriate. You will have follow-up appointments with your provider every three months for ongoing medication management, to make sure Depakote is working for you and address any mental health needs.

Can I use my health insurance for online Depakote (valproic acid) prescriptions and refills?

Talkspace is in-network with most major health insurance plans, which means that when you have a video appointment with a Talkspace psychiatric provider to receive a Depakote (valproic acid) prescription or refill, Talkspace will bill your insurance plan directly for your online prescription appointment and you will only have to pay a copay (typically around $15, though many covered members pay $0). You will pay for the medication itself when you pick it up from a pharmacy of your choice, and you can have the pharmacy bill your insurance plan for the medication.

How much does Depakote (valproic acid) cost?

The price you pay for Depakote (valproic acid) will depend on whether or not you’re paying with insurance and what your insurance copay is. The prices of prescription medications sometimes vary a lot by pharmacy, so to get the best price for Depakote you might want to look at websites like GoodRx and CostPlusDrugs. You should also contact your insurance company to find out the most affordable way to get your prescription for Depakote. Some insurance companies charge less when you fill your prescriptions through their mail-order pharmacies.

How do you take Depakote (valproic acid)?

Depakote (valproic acid) can be taken in different forms, dosages, and frequency, depending on your mental health condition and the treatment plan prescribed by your provider. 

Is Depakote an antipsychotic drug?

Depakote is not in the class of drugs known as antipsychotics. It’s an anticonvulsant that was originally used to treat epilepsy.

Does Depakote help with anxiety?

Today, Depakote is sometimes used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in addition to epilepsy and some other psychiatric conditions. When used for anxiety, Depakote calms hyperactivity in the brain, effectively combating anxiety symptoms and reducing feelings of panic.

How does Depakote make you feel?

Depakote can have a calming effect in some cases. It calms brain hyperactivity that’s commonly experienced with mania and can result in drowsiness.

What are other related medications to Depakote?

There are several different medications your psychiatrist may prescribe for bipolar disorder.

Other medications for bipolar disorder include:

  • Topamax (Topiramate)
  • Lamictal (Lamotrigine)
  • Abilify (Aripiprazole)

What is Depakote used to treat?

Depakote, and its generic version valproic acid, is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat seizure disorders as well as manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. It works by easing the brain hyperactivity that can occur during manic episodes. 

Any questions?

Find trust-worthy answers on all things mental health at Talkspace.

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How do you take Abilify (aripiprazole)?

Abilify (aripiprazole) is taken in different forms, dosages, and frequency, depending on your mental health condition and the treatment plan prescribed by your provider. You can either take this medication regularly in a tablet form or less frequently with an injection. Abilify tablets are usually taken once a day with or without food.

Depending on the dose, injections are usually given once a month, every six weeks, or every two months. Typically, individuals begin with a low dose of medication and then increase it gradually. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can, unless it is closer to your next dose — never double your doses. If you missed an injection, notify your health care provider right away. Use a reminder system like an alarm, pillbox, or calendar alert to help you remember to take your medication.

What insurance does Talkspace accept?

Talkspace accepts insurance from many major insurance providers including Cigna, Optum, Carelon, Aetna, TRICARE, traditional Medicare, Regence, Anthem and more. We work with many health plans, employee assistance programs (EAP), and educational organizations to make online therapy available and affordable for all. You can view our full partner list here, and explore additional affordable therapy options at Talkspace.

Does Humana Military cover mental health care?

Most Humana Military health plans cover at least a portion of the cost of mental health treatment. Your plan will clearly state what types of Talkspace services and medications are covered.

Does Aetna cover mental health care?

Most plans offered by Aetna include some form of mental health service coverage. Depending on your insurance plan, you should be covered for therapy and psychiatry with Talkspace. You’ll also likely have coverage for medications related to diagnosed mental health conditions.

Does Optum cover mental health?

Most plans offered by Optum cover mental health care. If you have Optum insurance you should be covered for therapy and psychiatry with Talkspace, though it may depend upon the specifics of your plan.

What can I expect from couples therapy?

Couples therapy is a type of psychotherapy in which a licensed therapist helps those in romantic relationships learn more about their partnership, resolve relationship problems, and build a stronger foundation.

Whether joining an in-person or virtual therapy session, the first few sessions will involve standard interview questions on the history of a couple's relationship, individual priorities, and relationship goals. In time, a couples therapist will help build a safe space for couples to identify their issues, establish treatment goals, and gain the necessary communication skills to problem solve with their partners.

What is social anxiety disorder?

Social anxiety disorder describes more than just being anxious or shy. It causes extreme fear, distress, embarrassment, and avoidance that interferes with functioning in daily life and relationships. Triggers can include stress, grief, needing to speak in groups, or even just anticipating needing to interact with others in a social setting.

Are Talkspace therapists licensed to treat teens and adolescents?

Absolutely. Our national network features thousands of licensed therapists across all 50 U.S. states and Canada. Find therapists that are highly trained and experienced in providing therapy for adolescents, ensuring that teens receive effective mental health support for their unique needs. On average, Talkspace therapists have 9 years of experience as professional mental health care providers, and have been carefully vetted and trained to use our platform.

Many Talkspace therapists are trained in multiple areas of expertise, and have  experience treating different mental health conditions including:

  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Addiction
  • Depression
  • Grief
  • Trauma
  • Mood disorders

Can trauma therapy be done online?

Yes, treating PTSD online can be a successful strategy for managing post-traumatic stress disorder.

Can OCD be treated online?

Yes, online treatment is an effective way to treat OCD. Online therapists can offer evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, support, and ongoing guidance, and online psychiatric providers write prescriptions and offer medication management to help manage symptoms of OCD. They can also provide education about the disorder.

Disclaimer
Talk to your psychiatrist or healthcare professional about the possible risks and benefits associated with the above medications before starting treatment. It’s up to your psychiatric clinician’s professional judgment whether medication is prescribed. If you are in a life threatening situation – don’t use this site. Call +1 (800) 273-8255 or use these resources to get immediate help.