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.
