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Propranolol vs. Depakote

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

Key takeaways

Propranolol (Inderal LA, Inderal XL, Innopran XL) and divalproex (Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkles) are both medications that can be used to prevent migraines. However, they belong to different medication classes and have important differences. Propranolol is a non-selective beta blocker used for a number of conditions, including high blood pressure, tremors, and migraine prevention. It is sometimes used off-label for performance anxiety. Divalproex, on the other hand, is an antiepileptic medication used to treat seizures and bipolar disorder as well as to prevent migraines. Propranolol is available in immediate-release and extended-release forms, while divalproex comes in delayed-release and extended-release tablets as well as sprinkle capsules. Common side effects of propranolol include dizziness and tiredness, whereas divalproex can cause nausea, sleepiness, and weight changes. Propranolol can interact with alcohol, while divalproex has numerous drug interactions. Divalproex requires regular blood tests to check your liver health.

Propranolol

 

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Divalproex

(Depakote)

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Summary for Propranolol

Prescription only

Propranolol is a non-selective beta blocker. It helps with a range of medical conditions, including high blood pressure, tremors, and migraine prevention. Sometimes, providers prescribe propranolol off-label to ease performance anxiety. You take this medication by mouth, typically 1 to 4 times daily, depending on if you're taking the immediate-release (IR) or extended-release (ER) medication. Keep in mind the IR and ER versions don't treat the same medical conditions. Some of the more common side effects of propranolol include dizziness, tiredness, or weakness.

Indications for Propranolol

Pros and Cons for Propranolol

Pros

  • Taken by mouth
  • Long-acting version only needs to be taken once a day
  • Oral solution might be a good option for people who can't swallow pills
  • Available as lower-cost generics

Cons

  • Not safe for people with asthma or certain serious heart conditions
  • Can hide many recognizable symptoms of low blood sugar, such as fast heart beat or tremors, which might prevent timely treatment
  • Missing doses or suddenly stopping propranolol can raise your risk of heart attacks

Common Side Effects for Propranolol

  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling weak

Warnings for Propranolol

  • Worsening of chest pain or heart attack
  • Higher risk or worsening of heart failure
  • Hidden symptoms of low blood sugar
  • Hidden symptoms of overactive thyroid
  • Trouble breathing (bronchospastic disease)
  • Serious skin reactions
  • Greater risk during surgery

Summary for Depakote

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 for Depakote

Pros and Cons for Depakote

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 for Depakote

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 for Depakote

  • 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 Propranolol vs. Depakote

Price Card Drug Icon
Propranolol60 tablets / 10mg
$13.00$15.97
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Price Card Drug Icon
Divalproex60 tablets / 500mg
$20.95$81.27
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