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Compare Tegretol vs. Depakote

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

Key takeaways

Carbamazepine (Tegretol) and divalproex (Depakote) are both antiepileptic medications, but they have different uses and side effects. Carbamazepine is used to treat various types of seizures, trigeminal neuralgia (a type of facial nerve pain), and bipolar I disorder (Equetro brand only). Divalproex, on the other hand, is used for seizures, bipolar disorder, and migraine prevention. Carbamazepine works by blocking sodium channels in the brain, while divalproex increases the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to control seizures. Both medications can cause sleepiness and dizziness, but carbamazepine can also cause low blood cell counts, while divalproex can lead to high blood ammonia levels. Additionally, both medications are available in generic forms and require regular blood tests to monitor their effects on your body. Neither medication is safe to use during pregnancy due to the risk of harm.

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Divalproex (Depakote)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Divalproex (Depakote)
Summary of Tegretol vs. Depakote
Summary for Antiepileptic
Prescription only
Carbamazepine (Tegretol) is an antiseizure medication used to treat different kinds of seizures. It can also help with trigeminal neuralgia, a type of facial nerve pain. Brand name Equetro is the only formulation that's approved to treat bipolar I disorder. Carbamazepine (Tegretol) available as pills and a liquid. Depending on formulation you take and what medical condition you have, carbamazepine (Tegretol) is taken by mouth 1 to 4 times per day. Common side effects include sleepiness, dizziness, and stomach upset.
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 Tegretol vs. Depakote
Indications for

•Partial-onset seizures

•Generalized tonic-clonic seizures

•Mixed seizure patterns

•Trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain)

•Bipolar I disorder - Equetro brand only

Indications for

•Bipolar disorder

•Seizures (focal impaired awareness seizure, absence seizure)

•Migraine prevention
Pros and Cons of Tegretol vs. Depakote
Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
Pros

•Works well for different types of seizures and trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain)

•Helps stabilize mood in people with bipolar disorder (Equetro brand only)

•Available as a lower-cost generic

•Comes in many dosage forms (e.g., chewable tablets, oral pills, liquid form) for people who have difficulty swallowing pills

Cons

•Might need to take the immediate-release form of the medication up to 4 times a day

•Can cause a lot of side effects

•Might require routine blood testing while taking the medication to see how it's affecting your body

•Can make hormonal birth control not work as well

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 Tegretol vs. Depakote
Common Side Effects for

•Dizziness (44%)

•Sleepiness (32%)

•Nausea (29%)

•Vomiting (18%)

•Difficulty walking or keeping balance (15%)

•Constipation (10%)

•Itching (8%)

•Dry mouth (8%)

•Weakness (8%)

•Rash (7%)

•Blurry vision (6%)

•Speech problems (6%)

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 Tegretol vs. Depakote
Common Side Effects for

•Severe skin reactions

•Low blood cell counts

•Severe allergic reactions

•Suicidal thoughts or behavior

•Harm to unborn babies

•Withdrawal

•Difficulty with speech, concentration, and movement

•Liver problems

•Low sodium levels

•High eye pressure

•Heart block (heart rhythm problems)

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
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Key takeaways

Summary of Tegretol vs. Depakote

Indications of Tegretol vs. Depakote

Pros and Cons of Tegretol vs. Depakote

Common Side Effects of Tegretol vs. Depakote

Warnings of Tegretol vs. Depakote

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