Compare Depakote vs. Seroquel

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

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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.

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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.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Extended release pill
  • Delayed release pill
  • Pill
  • Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$20.61
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Lowest price
$13.08
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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 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)