Compare Depakote vs. Topamax
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Divalproex (Depakote) and topiramate (Topamax) are both antiepileptic medications used to treat seizures and prevent migraines, but they have some key differences. Divalproex is also used to treat bipolar disorder, while topiramate is not. Divalproex works by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain to reduce seizure activity, whereas topiramate blocks certain brain signals to prevent seizures. Divalproex is available in delayed-release and extended-release tablets, as well as sprinkle capsules, while topiramate comes in immediate-release and extended-release tablets, capsules, and a liquid form. Both medications can cause serious side effects, but topiramate can cause kidney stones, while divalproex can cause liver problems and pancreatitis. Additionally, both medications can cause weight changes, but divalproex can lead to both weight gain and weight loss, whereas topiramate is more commonly associated with weight loss. Both medications should not be taken during pregnancy due to the risk of birth defects.
- Divalproex (Depakote)Topiramate
- Divalproex (Depakote)Topiramate
Summary of Depakote vs. Topamax
Summary for AntiepilepticPrescription onlyDivalproex (Depakote) is a prescription medication that's used alone or in combination with other medications to treat certain types of seizures. It can also be used to prevent migraines and treat bipolar disorder. Divalproex (Depakote) comes in delayed-release (DR) and extended-release (ER) tablets, as well as sprinkle capsules. You take it by mouth, typically once or twice daily, depending on the formulation. Divalproex (Depakote) can cause changes in weight, both in weight loss and weight gain. Don't suddenly stop taking this medication since it can raise your risk of withdrawal symptoms, including seizures.
Summary for AntiepilepticPrescription onlyTopiramate is a prescription medication that can be used alone or in combination with other medications to treat certain types of seizures. It can also be used to prevent migraines. It comes in immediate-release and extended-release tablets and capsules, as well as a liquid. Topiramate is typically taken by mouth once or twice daily, depending on what formulation you're using. Some forms of topiramate are available as lower-cost generic medications.
Indications of Depakote vs. Topamax
Indications for•Bipolar disorder•Seizures (focal impaired awareness seizure, absence seizure)•Migraine preventionIndications for•Seizures (partial seizures, tonic-clonic seizures, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome)•Migraine preventionPros and Cons of Depakote vs. Topamax
Pros and Const for AntiepilepticPros•Available as a lower-cost generic•Dose can be adjusted based on your response•Available in various forms: delayed-release tablets, sprinkle capsules, and extended-release tablets•Can be used on its own or with other medications to control seizuresCons•Can prevent migraines from happening, but it won't help if you have a migraine attack•Interacts with many medications, such as phenytoin (Dilantin)•Can’t take while pregnant•Requires regular blood work and lab tests to make sure your liver is healthyPros and Const for AntiepilepticPros•Can be used on its own or with other medications to control seizures•Available in short-acting and long-acting forms, so options to take once or twice daily•Available as a solution (Eprontia), so it's convenient for people who have trouble swallowing•Can be used to treat different types of seizures•Can be used to treat seizures in both adults and childrenCons•Can prevent migraines from happening, but it won't help if you have a migraine attack•Can cause kidney stones•Can cause serious eye problems•Interacts with many medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin), phenytoin (Dilantin), and divalproex (Depakote)•Children taking this medication for long periods of time will need to have their doses adjusted often due to changes in body weight as they growCommon Side Effects of Depakote vs. Topamax
Common Side Effects forBipolar disorder
•Nausea (22%)•Excess sleepiness (19%)•Dizziness (12%)•Vomiting (12%)•Accidental injury (11%)•Low energy (10%)Seizures
•Nausea (48%)•Headache (31%)•Feeling weak (27%)•Vomiting (27%)•Tremor (25%)•Dizziness (25%)•Stomach pain (23%)Migraine
•Nausea (31%)•Feeling weak (20%)•Excessive sleepiness (17%)•Indigestion (13%)•Diarrhea (12%)•Dizziness (12%)•Vomiting (11%)Common Side Effects forPlease note: These are common side effects reported by children and adults who took immediate-release topiramate. Frequency of side effects can differ based on your age, as well as the dose and formulation of topiramate you're taking.
•Feeling "pins and needles"•Drowsiness•Weight loss•Nervousness•Fatigue•Dizziness•Lack of appetite•Trouble sleeping•Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., cough, stuffy nose, sore throat)•Fever•Change in taste•Trouble moving or keeping balanceWarnings of Depakote vs. Topamax
Common Side Effects for•Liver problems•Serious birth defects•Serious pancreas problems•Suicidal behavior and thoughts•Lower blood cell counts•Higher ammonia level in blood•Severe skin and allergic reactions•Interaction with other medicationsCommon Side Effects for•Vision problems•High body temperature and trouble sweating•Higher level of acid in blood•Suicidal thoughts or behavior•Problems with mood and thinking clearly•Higher ammonia level in blood•Serious birth defects•Skin reactions•Withdrawal seizures•Interaction with other medicationsPrices with our coupons for Depakote vs. Topamax
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