Antiepileptic / mood stabilizer

Valproate (Depakote, Epilim)

Sodium valproate · デパケン · セレニカR · デパケンR

Sodium valproate (Depakene, Selenica R) is widely used in Japan for epilepsy, bipolar disorder and migraine prevention, in tablets, sustained-release tablets, syrup and granules. It is not controlled; bring your supply and records, and note that Japanese labels carry the same pregnancy warnings as abroad.

Reviewed by pharmacist Saya Yamaguchi
At a glance
Prescription status
Prescription only
Over the counter
Not sold OTC
Bringing it into Japan
✓ 1 month Rx / 2 months OTC
Names abroad
Depakote · Epilim

Over the counter

Prescription only.

Prescription products in Japan

29 products

Products on Japan's national drug price list. Prescription only: a clinic visit is needed, and pharmacies may substitute a generic with the same ingredient.

Brand namesデパケン · セレニカR · デパケンR
Generic11 generic products
Dosage formsOral
Strengths (oral)100mg · 200mg · 400mg
Official price (per tablet or unit)¥10.8 – ¥36.7
Official NHI drug price. Patients with Japanese insurance pay 10–30%; visitors without it pay the full price plus consultation fees.

Product names are shown in Japanese, exactly as printed on the package and the prescription. Show this page at the pharmacy.

All listed products (29) · Drug price list as of 2026-08-12
セレニカR錠200mgOral · ¥10.8/tablet
セレニカR錠400mgOral · ¥16.6/tablet
セレニカR顆粒40%Oral · ¥36.7/g
デパケンR錠100mgOral · ¥10.8/tablet
デパケンR錠200mgOral · ¥10.8/tablet
デパケンシロップ5%Oral · ¥10.9/mL
デパケン細粒40%Oral · ¥19/g
デパケン錠100mgOral · ¥10.8/tablet
デパケン錠200mgOral · ¥10.8/tablet
バルプロ酸Naシロップ5%「フジナガ」Oral · ¥10.9/mL
バルプロ酸Na徐放顆粒40%「フジナガ」 · GenericOral · ¥23.6/g
バルプロ酸Na錠100mg「フジナガ」 · GenericOral · ¥10.8/tablet
バルプロ酸Na錠200mg「フジナガ」Oral · ¥11.2/tablet
バルプロ酸ナトリウム100mg徐放錠 · GenericOral · ¥10.8/tablet
バルプロ酸ナトリウム100mg錠 · GenericOral · ¥10.8/tablet
バルプロ酸ナトリウム40%徐放顆粒 · GenericOral · ¥23.6/g
バルプロ酸ナトリウム5%シロップ · GenericOral · ¥10.9/mL
バルプロ酸ナトリウムSR錠100mg「アメル」 · GenericOral · ¥10.8/tablet
バルプロ酸ナトリウムSR錠200mg「アメル」Oral · ¥12.3/tablet
バルプロ酸ナトリウムシロップ5%「DSP」 · GenericOral · ¥10.9/mL
バルプロ酸ナトリウムシロップ5%「日医工」Oral · ¥10.9/mL
バルプロ酸ナトリウム徐放錠A100mg「トーワ」 · GenericOral · ¥10.8/tablet
バルプロ酸ナトリウム徐放錠A200mg「トーワ」Oral · ¥10.8/tablet
バルプロ酸ナトリウム細粒20%「EMEC」Oral · ¥18.1/g
バルプロ酸ナトリウム細粒40%「EMEC」Oral · ¥25.9/g
バルプロ酸ナトリウム錠100mg「DSP」 · GenericOral · ¥10.8/tablet
バルプロ酸ナトリウム錠100mg「アメル」 · GenericOral · ¥10.8/tablet
バルプロ酸ナトリウム錠200mg「DSP」Oral · ¥14.1/tablet
バルプロ酸ナトリウム錠200mg「アメル」Oral · ¥14.1/tablet

Bringing it into Japan

Up to a 1-month supply of prescription medicine, or 2 months of OTC medicine, without any paperwork. For more, apply for a Yakkan Shoumei (import confirmation) before travel.

How to apply for a Yakkan Shoumei (article)

Getting it prescribed in Japan

Any clinic can prescribe it after a consultation. Bring the original packaging or a medication list. Use the hospital finder to find clinics with English-speaking staff or an international patient office.

Find a clinic by language

Names abroad

USDepakote, Depakene
UKEpilim, Depakote
Korea오르필, 데파코트
China德巴金
Taiwan帝拔癲

Sources

  1. Health Insurance Claims Review & Reimbursement Services — Drug master (NHI drug price list) shinryohoshu.mhlw.go.jp — 2026-08-12
  2. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare — Bringing medicines for personal use into Japan mhlw.go.jp

This page describes how a medicine is regulated and sold in Japan. It is not medical advice and does not cover dosing for your situation; follow your doctor's and pharmacist's instructions.