Compare Depakote vs. Elavil
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.
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3.3/ 5 average rating with 97 reviewsforDepakote
Improves mood.
Elavil (amitriptyline) regulates mood and treats nerve pain, but has more side effects than alternatives.
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3.3/ 5 average rating with 134 reviewsforElavil
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.
- Elavil (amitriptyline) works well to treat nerve pain and is non-habit forming.
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.
- Elavil (amitriptyline) has more bothersome side effects than other antidepressants.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release pill
- Delayed release pill
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$20.61
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$4.00
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Reviews
97 reviews so far
46%
saidit'sworth it
40%
saiditworked well
27%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Depakote (divalproex)?
Leave a review134 reviews so far
53%
saidit'sworth it
36%
saiditworked well
25%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Elavil (amitriptyline)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
9possible side effects
- Nausea22%
- Sleepiness19%
- Dizziness12%
- Vomiting12%
- Accidental injury11%
- Feeling weak10%
- Abdominal pain9%
- Upset stomach9%
- Rash6%
The Elavil (amitriptyline) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
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
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Age 24 years or younger
- Mania
- History of bipolar disorder
- At risk for bipolar disorder
- Heart problems
- History of cardiovascular disease
- Dizziness and falls
- Age 65 years or older
- Taking medicines to control blood pressure
- Dehydration
- Age 65 years or older