Key takeaways
Valproic acid (Depakene) and lamotrigine (Lamictal) are both antiepileptic medications used to treat seizures, but they have some key differences. Valproic acid is used for focal impaired awareness and absence seizures, while lamotrigine can treat partial and tonic-clonic seizures, as well as seizures from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and bipolar disorder. Valproic acid is available as capsules and oral solution, while lamotrigine comes in immediate-release and extended-release tablets, chewable tablets, and orally disintegrating tablets. Both medications can cause serious side effects, with valproic acid is more likely to cause liver problems and high blood ammonia levels, and lamotrigine increasing the risk of severe skin reactions and meningitis. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics and should be avoided while pregnant due to the risk of serious birth defects.
