Compare Depakote vs. Seroquel

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Depakote (divalproex)

Prescription only

Seroquel (quetiapine)

Prescription only
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
Helps control your thoughts and mood.

Seroquel (quetiapine) is a effective at treating schizophrenia, mania, and depression but it can cause weight gain and high blood glucose levels.

●●●●●
3.7/ 5 average rating with 250 reviewsforSeroquel
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.
  • Seroquel (quetiapine) is effective at relieving psychotic symptoms and manic episodes.
  • Seroquel (quetiapine) has fewer side effects than most antipsychotic medications.
  • Seroquel (quetiapine) is less likely to cause heart problems compared to some other antipsychotics.
  • Seroquel (quetiapine) is also the least likely to cause Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS) – a movement disorder that causes stiffness, tremor, restlessness, and slow, repetitive, or involuntary movements.
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.
  • Seroquel (quetiapine) has a moderate to high risk of weight gain, elevated cholesterol and/or blood sugar compared to other antipsychotics.
  • You might need routine blood tests to check how Seroquel (quetiapine) is affecting your body.
ADVERTISEMENT
Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Extended release pill
  • Delayed release pill
  • Pill
  • Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$14.90
Find instant savings near you
Lowest price
$13.87
Find instant savings near you
Want 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 review
250 reviews so far
56%
saidit'sworth it
50%
saiditworked well
27%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Seroquel (quetiapine)?

Leave a review
Side effects
9possible side effects
  • Nausea
    22%
  • Sleepiness
    19%
  • Dizziness
    12%
  • Vomiting
    12%
  • Accidental injury
    11%
  • Feeling weak
    10%
  • Abdominal pain
    9%
  • Upset stomach
    9%
  • Rash
    6%
See more detailed side effects
36possible side effects
  • Drowsiness
    34%
  • Dry mouth
    19%
  • Headache
    17%
  • Weakness
    10%
  • Constipation
    10%
  • Dizziness
    9%
  • Tremor
    8%
  • Stomach pain
    7%
  • Low blood pressure
    7%
  • Agitation
    6%
  • Weight gain
    6%
  • Sore throat
    6%
  • Back pain
    5%
  • Stiffness/difficulty moving
    4%
  • Hay fever
    4%
  • Swelling in the limbs
    4%
  • Twitching
    4%
  • Indigestion
    4%
  • Depression
    3%
  • Lazy eye
    3%
  • Speech disorder
    3%
  • Altered hormone levels
    3%
  • Heaviness
    2%
  • Infection
    2%
  • Fever
    2%
  • High blood pressure
    2%
  • Increased heart rate
    2%
  • Increased appetite
    2%
  • Hypothyroidism
    2%
  • Incoordination
    2%
  • Abnormal thinking
    2%
  • Anxiety
    2%
  • Loss of control of movements
    2%
  • Sinus infection
    2%
  • Sweating
    2%
  • Urinary Tract Infection
    2%
See more detailed side effects
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
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Higher risk of death
    • Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    • Children, adolescents, and young adults (<24 years old)
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
  • Heart problems
    • History of heart problems
    • Drug interactions
  • Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS)
  • Metabolic changes (increased blood sugar, high cholesterol and weight gain)
    • People with diabetes
    • People with high cholesterol
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Depakote (divalproex)
Learn more about Seroquel (quetiapine)