Depakote is a major advance in the treatment of manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. It is an effective and well-tolerated treatment that offers new hope for patients. There are a number of anti-depressant medications available for treating the depressive episodes of manic depression, but there are only two approved by the FDA for treating mania: lithium and Depakote. The newest of these is Depakote, which has a promising future in the treatment of manic depression.