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Compare Imitrex vs. Depakote

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Sumatriptan (Imitrex) and divalproex (Depakote) are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Sumatriptan is a triptan used to treat migraines in adults, while divalproex is an antiepileptic used to treat seizures, prevent migraines, and manage bipolar disorder. Sumatriptan works by tightening blood vessels in the brain and reducing inflammation, whereas divalproex increases the levels of GABA, a calming chemical in the brain, to control seizures. Sumatriptan is taken as needed for migraines, but divalproex is taken daily, either once or twice, depending on the formulation. Sumatriptan can cause side effects like tingling and fatigue, while divalproex can lead to nausea, sleepiness, and weight changes. Additionally, divalproex requires regular blood tests to monitor liver health, and it is not safe to use during pregnancy. Both medications have generic versions available, making them more affordable.

  • Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
    Divalproex (Depakote)
  • Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
    Divalproex (Depakote)

  • Summary of Imitrex vs. Depakote

    Summary for Triptan
    Prescription only

    Sumatriptan (Imitrex) is used to treat migraines with or without aura in adults. The medication is typically taken as a single dose for your migraine. But, it's possible that you can take it again 2 hours after the first dose if your migraine doesn't go away. Side effects of sumatriptan (Imitrex) include tingling or numbness of fingers or toes, feeling too warm or too cold, and fatigue. It can interact with antidepressants and other similar migraine medications. Sumatriptan (Imitrex) is available as a lower-cost generic tablet.

    Summary for Antiepileptic
    Prescription only

    Divalproex (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.

  • Indications of Imitrex vs. Depakote

    Indications for
    •Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults
    Indications for
    •Bipolar disorder
    •Seizures (focal impaired awareness seizure, absence seizure)
    •Migraine prevention

  • Pros and Cons of Imitrex vs. Depakote

    Pros and Const for Triptan
    Pros
    •First-choice option for treating migraines
    •Can take with commonly used over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol)
    •Can start relieving migraine headaches within 30 minutes to 2 hours
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can't use to prevent migraines
    •Must wait at least 2 hours after the first dose to take a second dose, if needed
    •Your migraines can get worse if you use this medication too often.
    •Unknown if it's safe or if it works well in children
    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •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 seizures
    Cons
    •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 healthy

  • Common Side Effects of Imitrex vs. Depakote

    Common Side Effects for
    •Tingling or numbness of fingers or toes (3-5%)
    •Feeling too warm or too cold (2-3%)
    •Fatigue (2-3%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Bipolar 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%)

  • Warnings of Imitrex vs. Depakote

    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart problems and high blood pressure
    •Stroke or other brain injury
    •Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Allergic reactions
    •Seizures
    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 medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Imitrex vs. Depakote

    Learn more about Sumatriptan
    Learn more about Divalproex

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