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Migraine

Valproic acid for migraine prevention

Anti-seizure medication used for migraine prevention
Other names: valproic acid, Depakote, Depakene, divalproex

FAA guidance

Do not issue.

Examiner

Do not issue: the examiner cannot issue a certificate

FAA label

UNACCEPTABLE

Source: FAA, Migraine Medication. FAA date 26 August 2026. Checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026

The FAA lists valproic acid as unacceptable for migraine prevention.

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Compare FAA documents: valproic acid for migraine preventionWhat each of the two FAA documents says, in plain wordsOpen

The FAA's Do Not Issue list names seizure medications, even if used for non-seizure conditions such as migraines, and the FAA's table says the examiner should defer the exam; it also says do not issue a medical certificate.

FAA rule for migraine medication: The FAA says migraine relief or rescue medication is acceptable when used occasionally and unacceptable for daily use, and that its post-dose observation time (no-fly warning) is based on the drug's half-life. It says that if several relief medications are needed on a recurring basis to stop symptoms, this is considered a complicated migraine, and the examiner should defer. For relief or rescue medication the worksheet lists, the FAA's CACI – Migraine and Chronic Headache Worksheet says the examiner can issue if the pilot meets all of its acceptable certification criteria, which include no more than one episode per month, no more than 2 outpatient clinic or urgent care visits for symptom exacerbation in the last 12 months (even if symptoms fully resolved), and no history of in-patient hospitalizations for headaches; it says narcotics, Fiorinal, Fioricet and Midrin are not acceptable for relief or rescue. FAA, Migraine Medication

Show the FAA's words: valproic acid for migraine preventionThe official FAA wording: two passages, each with its document and dateOpen
FAA, Migraine Medication · FAA date 26 August 2026
UNACCEPTABLE – Migraine Prevention (Prophylaxis)
Use prohibited as a single agent or in any combination product.
valproic acid (Depakote)
FAA, DO NOT ISSUE – DO NOT FLY Medications and general No Fly wait times · FAA date 30 September 2026
DO NOT ISSUE (DNI) MEDICATIONS
If the applicant is taking any of the following medications, AMEs should DEFER the exam. DO NOT issue a medical certificate to applicants who are using any of the following drug classes or medications for any condition:
SEIZURE MEDICATIONS: Even if used for non-seizure conditions (e.g., migraines)
Sources and dates: valproic acid for migraine preventionTwo FAA documents, with the FAA's date and when Crosscheck checked themOpen

See also

Medication guidance alone does not determine whether a pilot is medically qualified to fly. The underlying condition, dosage, side effects, medication combinations, and certification history may affect FAA eligibility.

For informational purposes only. Not legal or medical advice.