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Compare Lyrica vs. Depakote

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

Key takeaways

Lyrica (Pregabalin) and Depakote (Divalproex) are both antiepileptic medications, but they have different uses and side effects. Pregabalin is used to treat nerve pain from conditions like diabetes, shingles, and spinal cord injuries, as well as fibromyalgia and partial-onset seizures. It is available in capsule and oral solution forms and is typically taken 2 or 3 times a day. Common side effects include dizziness and drowsiness. Depakote, on the other hand, is used to treat seizures, prevent migraines, and manage bipolar disorder. It comes in delayed-release and extended-release tablets, as well as sprinkle capsules, and is usually taken once or twice daily. Divalproex can cause nausea, sleepiness, and weight changes. Unlike pregabalin, divalproex is not a controlled substance but requires regular blood tests to monitor liver health. Both medications have generic versions available, making them more affordable.

  • Pregabalin (Lyrica)
    Divalproex (Depakote)
  • Pregabalin (Lyrica)
    Divalproex (Depakote)

  • Summary of Lyrica vs. Depakote

    Summary for Antiepileptic
    Prescription only

    Pregabalin (Lyrica) helps treat nerve pain and fibromyalgia in adults. It can also be taken with other medications to help treat certain seizures in people 1 month and older. Pregabalin (Lyrica) comes as a capsule and oral solution in both brand-name and generic versions. The dosage depends on what condition you're treating, but it's usually taken by mouth 2 or 3 times a day. Common side effects include feeling dizzy and drowsy. This medication is a controlled substance and has interactions, like with alcohol and benzodiazepines.

    Summary for Antiepileptic
    Prescription only

    Divalproex (Depakote) is an antiepileptic medication used to treat certain types of seizures, bipolar disorder, and prevent migraines. The medication comes as delayed-release (DR) tablets, extended-release (ER) tablets, and sprinkle capsules. You take it by mouth, either once a day or in divided doses, depending on your condition and the form that's prescribed. Common side effects include stomach pain, hair loss, and diarrhea. Serious risks include liver problems, inflammation of the pancreas, and birth defects if taken during pregnancy.

  • Indications of Lyrica vs. Depakote

    Indications for
    •Nerve pain from diabetes (diabetic peripheral neuropathy)
    •Nerve pain from shingles (postherpetic neuralgia)
    •Nerve pain from spinal cord injury
    •Fibromyalgia
    •Partial-onset seizures
    Indications for
    •Bipolar disorder
    •Seizures
    •Migraine prevention

  • Pros and Cons of Lyrica vs. Depakote

    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •An option for relieving nerve pain caused by diabetes, shingles, and spinal cord injuries
    •Can take with other anti-seizure medications for partial-onset seizures in people as young as 1 month of age
    •Available in a capsule and liquid
    Cons
    •Can cause dizziness and drowsiness
    •Can cause weight gain
    •Is a controlled substance, so there are some rules to follow to get it filled
    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •Used for seizures, bipolar disorder, and migraine prevention
    •Dose is adjusted based on your response
    •Available in multiple forms
    •Can be used alone or with other medications
    Cons
    •Won't help if you have a migraine attack
    •Interacts with many medications
    •Not safe to take in pregnancy
    •Requires regular blood work and lab tests

  • Common Side Effects of Lyrica vs. Depakote

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Drowsiness
    •Headache
    •Weight gain
    Common Side Effects for

    Bipolar disorder

    •Sleepiness (19-26%)
    •Indigestion (9-23%)
    •Nausea (19-22%)
    •Vomiting (12-13%)
    •Dizziness (12%)
    •Accidental injury (6-11%)
    •Stomach pain (9-10%)
    •Weakness (6-10%)

    Seizures

    •Nausea (48%)
    •Headache (31%)
    •Weakness (27%)
    •Vomiting (27%)
    •Sleepiness (27%)
    •Tremor (25%)
    •Dizziness (25%)
    •Stomach pain (23%)

    Migraine

    •Nausea (15-31%)
    •Weakness (20%)
    •Sleepiness (7-17%)
    •Infection (15%)
    •Indigestion (7-13%)
    •Diarrhea (7-12%)
    •Dizziness (12%)
    •Vomiting (7-11%)

  • Warnings of Lyrica vs. Depakote

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions and severe swelling
    •Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Higher risk of side effects if you stop taking the medication too suddenly or too fast
    •Slowed breathing
    •Dizziness, sleepiness, and trouble concentrating
    •Swelling of the arms or legs
    •Weight gain
    •Lower platelet levels
    •Possible risk of muscle breakdown
    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver problems
    •Birth defects
    •Inflammation of the pancreas
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Bleeding and blood conditions
    •High ammonia levels
    •Low body temperature
    •Severe skin reactions
    •Serious allergic reaction
    •Sleepiness in older adults
    •Interaction with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Lyrica vs. Depakote

    Learn more about Pregabalin
    Learn more about Divalproex

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