Compare Depakote vs. baclofen
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats and prevents seizures, and stabilizes mood.
Depakote (divalproex) is good for long-term prevention of seizures, manic episodes in bipolar disorder, and migraines.
●●●●●
3.3/ 5 average rating with 97 reviewsforDepakote
Relaxes your muscles.
Lioresal (baclofen) is a first choice treatment for muscle spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries, but it's not recommended for other types of muscle spasms.
●●●●●
3.5/ 5 average rating with 33 reviewsforbaclofen
Upsides
- Lowers the frequency of seizures, especially for people with absence seizures or complex partial seizures.
- Depakote (divalproex) is a first-line treatment to stabilize mood for people with bipolar disorder.
- Depakote (divalproex) is helpful for preventing frequent migraines.
- The sprinkle pill can be swallowed whole or can be opened up and mixed with applesauce if you have a hard time swallowing.
- Depakote (divalproex) is available as a generic.
- A better option for seniors compared to other muscle relaxants since it has fewer side effects than other similar medicines.
- Lioresal (baclofen) is available as a generic and is a relatively inexpensive medication.
Downsides
- It can take 3 to 4 weeks before you feel the full effects of Depakote (divalproex).
- Depakote (divalproex) is not a good medication for people with liver problems.
- Requires regular blood tests to see how the medication is affecting your body.
- Depakote (divalproex) can make you bleed more easily.
- Except for specific muscle spasms caused by brain injury or multiple sclerosis, Lioresal (baclofen) is not a recommended medicine.
- If you've been taking Lioresal (baclofen) regularly for a long time, you'll need to get off of it slowly.
- Lioresal (baclofen) can make you sleepy.
- If you've had a stroke, Lioresal (baclofen) may not work as well, and you're more likely to experience side effects.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release pill
- Delayed release pill
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$18.62
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$12.86
Find instant savings near youWant to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
97 reviews so far
46%
saidit'sworth it
40%
saiditworked well
27%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Depakote (divalproex)?
Leave a review33 reviews so far
61%
saidit'sworth it
55%
saiditworked well
15%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Lioresal (baclofen)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
9possible side effects
- Nausea22%
- Sleepiness19%
- Dizziness12%
- Vomiting12%
- Accidental injury11%
- Feeling weak10%
- Abdominal pain9%
- Upset stomach9%
- Rash6%
Risks and risk factors
- Harm to fetus
- Liver damage
- Children under age 2
- History of metabolic disorders
- Severe seizure disorder
- Brain disease
- History of liver problems
- Pancreas problems
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- History of depression
- Increased bleeding
- Mental changes
- History of metabolic disorders
- People also taking Topamax
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Stopping Lioresal (baclofen) too quickly
- Driving impairment
- Taking with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- Age 65 or greater
- Seizures
- Higher dose
- Using other medicines that can cause seizures
- History of seizures
- Alcoholism
- Eating disorders
- Brain infections