What Is Depakote? Depakote (divalproex sodium) is a stable coordination compound comprised of sodium valproate and valproic acid used to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, epilepsy, and migraine headaches. Generic Depakote (termed divalproex sodium) is available under several other names.

What is the difference between divalproex and valproic acid?

Valproic acid is metabolized more rapidly than divalproex sodium, which could explain the need for higher doses. However, even at higher doses, treatment with valproic acid is still less expensive than with divalproex sodium because of the difference in price.

What is the substitute for Depakote?

sodium valproate (Depakote) lamotrigine (Lamictal) topiramate (Topamax) gabapentin (Neurontin)

What is the difference between Depakote and Depakote?

Depakote ER has been confused with Depakote (no “ER” at the end of the name). This is a different form of the same medicine, but it needs to be taken more frequently than once a day. Depakote is considered a “delayed-release” medicine. That is, after you take it, it doesn’t dissolve as fast as traditional tablets.

What is the real name for Depakote?

Divalproex sodium oral tablet is available as brand-name drugs and as generic drugs. Brand names: Depakote, Depakote ER. Divalproex sodium comes in three forms: oral delayed-release tablets, oral extended-release tablets, and oral delayed-release sprinkle capsules.

Are valproic acid and Depakote the same?

A closely related medication, Depakene (valproic acid), comes in capsule and liquid form. Another variety of valproic acid, Stavzor, is no longer manufactured. In 2008, the FDA approved the first generic version of Depakote. Collectively, these medications are known as valproate products.

Are Depakote and Depakene interchangeable?

It has been suggested that its activity in epilepsy is related to increased brain concentrations of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Equivalent oral doses of DEPAKOTE (divalproex sodium) products and DEPAKENE (valproic acid) capsules deliver equivalent quantities of valproate ion systemically.

What is the best mood stabilizer?

Lamotrigine. Lamotrigine (Lamictal) may be the most effective mood stabilizer for depression in bipolar disorder, but is not as helpful for mania. The starting dose of lamotrigine should be very low and increased very slowly over four weeks or more.

What is a natural substitute for Depakote?

Talk therapy is well documented as an effective natural alternative to Depakote or other medications, with many genres of psychological therapy to explore. Using complementary health approaches is becoming increasingly popular in the US and around the world.

Which is safer lithium or Depakote?

Patients taking lithium had lower rates of self-harm and unintentional injury compared to those taking other bipolar drugs, such as valproate (Depacon, Depakote), olanzapine (Zyprexa) or quetiapine (Seroquel), said lead researcher Joseph Hayes.

Is Depakote sedating?

A: Common side effects experienced with Depakote include drowsiness, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, low platelet count, tremors, tiredness, and hair loss. The side effects may be mild to moderate, but they may also be signs of a more serious condition.

Which seizure medication is best?

“[Lamictal] seems to be the winner,” Marson says. The second trial looked at 716 patients newly diagnosed with generalized epilepsy. It compared the older drug valproic acid (in the U.S., Depakote is the most popular member of this drug family) to Lamictal and Topamax.

Is divalproex an antipsychotic?

Yes, the generic version is known as divalproex sodium and is sold in the U.S. Are there any major differences between Depakote and other antipsychotics used to treat bipolar disorder? Depakote belongs to the class of medications known as anticonvulsants.

Is divalproex crushable?

Swallow the capsule or tablet whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it. If you cannot swallow a sprinkle capsule whole, open it and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of pudding or applesauce.

Is divalproex a narcotic?

No, divalproex isn’t a narcotic. Divalproex belongs to a group of drugs called antiepileptics.

Who should not take divalproex?

Due to an increased risk for liver problems, people with certain inherited metabolic disorders (such as Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome) should not use this medication. Children younger than 2 years who might have these disorders should not use this medication.

Are valproic acid and divalproex interchangeable?

Divalproex is converted to valproic acid in the body, and the two medications are very similar. Some patients may find that divalproex is easier on the stomach than valproic acid. Note: both medications are referred to as “valproic acid” in this document.

What is divalproex used for?

Divalproex sodium is used to treat certain types of seizures (epilepsy). This medicine is an anticonvulsant that works in the brain tissue to stop seizures. Divalproex sodium is also used to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness) and helps prevent migraine headaches.

Is Depakote and Depacon the same?

Valproate products include: valproate sodium (Depacon), divalproex sodium (Depakote, Depakote CP, and Depakote ER), valproic acid (Depakene and Stavzor), and their generics.