Compare Depakote vs. Zyprexa
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
Helps control your thoughts and mood.
Zyprexa (olanzapine) is good for treating psychosis, mania, and agitation, but it's more likely to cause weight gain and sleepiness than other antipsychotics.
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3.7/ 5 average rating with 68 reviewsforZyprexa
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.
- Effective at relieving psychotic symptoms, manic episodes, and agitation in people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
- Less likely to cause heart problems than other antipsychotics.
- Less likely to cause movement problems compared to older antipsychotics.
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.
- More likely to cause weight gain and increase cholesterol or blood sugar compared to other antipsychotics.
- Might make you more sleepy than some antipsychotics.
- Mild risk of Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS): Movement disorders that include stiffness, tremor, restlessness, and slow, repetitive movements you can't control.
- You may need routine blood tests to check how the medicine is affecting your body..
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release pill
- Delayed release pill
- Pill
- Dissolving tablet
- Injection
Price
Lowest price
$14.20
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$463.82
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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 review68 reviews so far
41%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
51%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Zyprexa (olanzapine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
9possible side effects
- Nausea22%
- Sleepiness19%
- Dizziness12%
- Vomiting12%
- Accidental injury11%
- Feeling weak10%
- Abdominal pain9%
- Upset stomach9%
- Rash6%
9possible side effects
- Drowsiness48%
- Weight gain28%
- Increased appetite28%
- Headache17%
- Fatigue14%
- Dizziness7%
- Dry Mouth7%
- Abdominal pain6%
- Pain in extremity5%
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
- Increased risk of death
- Elderly patients with dementia
- Blood disorders
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- Heart problems
- History of heart problems
- Drug interactions
- Shaking and restlessness
- Higher blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
- People with diabetes
- People with high cholesterol