Key takeaways
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) and divalproex (Depakote) are both antiepileptic medications, but they have different uses and side effects. Lamotrigine is used to treat seizures and bipolar disorder, while divalproex is used for seizures, bipolar disorder, and migraine prevention. Lamotrigine comes in various forms, including immediate-release and extended-release tablets, and is available as a lower-cost generic. Divalproex also has multiple forms, such as delayed-release and extended-release tablets, and sprinkle capsules, and is available as a generic. One key difference is that lamotrigine can cause serious skin reactions, especially if taken with divalproex, while divalproex can lead to liver problems and is not safe to use during pregnancy. Both medications require careful dose adjustments and monitoring for side effects, but divalproex also requires regular blood tests to check liver health. Additionally, lamotrigine can interact with many medications, including birth control pills, whereas divalproex can interact with medications like aspirin and carbapenem antibiotics.
