Compare Lyrica vs. Depakote

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

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Lyrica (pregabalin)

Prescription only

Depakote (divalproex)

Prescription only
Treats pain caused by nerve damage and prevents seizures.

Lyrica (pregabalin) is first-choice treatment for nerve pain, but may be expensive since it is available as brand name only.

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3.3/ 5 average rating with 66 reviewsforLyrica
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
Upsides
  • Unlike other pain relievers, it is very effective at treating and preventing nerve damage caused by diabetes, shingles, fibromyalgial, and spinal cord injuries.
  • It is less habit forming than narcotics.
  • It can also be used in combination with other anti-seizure medicines to treat epilepsy.
  • 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.
Downsides
  • Likely expensive since it is not available in generic versions.
  • Has a higher risk than other pain medicines to affect your heart rate or rhythm.
  • Requires adjustment in dose if you have lower kidney function.
  • Higher doses can cause drowsiness so you will have to divide the dose and take it throughout the day.
  • 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.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Pill
  • Extended release pill
  • Delayed release pill
Price
Lowest price
$536.86
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Lowest price
$20.61
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Reviews
66 reviews so far
47%
saidit'sworth it
42%
saiditworked well
32%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Lyrica (pregabalin)?

Leave a review
97 reviews so far
46%
saidit'sworth it
40%
saiditworked well
27%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Depakote (divalproex)?

Leave a review
Side effects
28possible side effects
  • Dizziness
    23%
  • Drowsiness
    13%
  • Headache
    11%
  • Blurry vision
    8%
  • Weight gain
    8%
  • Dry mouth
    7%
  • Fatigue
    5%
  • Swelling of the hands and feet
    5%
  • Constipation
    4%
  • Sinus infection
    4%
  • Increased appetite
    4%
  • Joint pain
    4%
  • Loss of focus
    4%
  • Feeling off balance
    2%
  • Vomiting
    2%
  • Abdominal distension
    2%
  • Chest pain
    2%
  • Fluid retention
    2%
  • Muscle spasms
    2%
  • Back pain
    2%
  • Balance disorder
    2%
  • Abnormal coordination
    2%
  • Partial loss of sensitivity to touch
    2%
  • Lethargy
    2%
  • Intense feeling of happiness
    2%
  • Anxiety
    2%
  • Depression
    2%
  • Sore throat
    2%
See more detailed 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
Risks and risk factors
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    • Starting Lyrica (pregabalin) or changing doses
  • Driving impairment
    • Taking Lyrica (pregabalin) with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you drowsy
  • Giant hives (angioedema)
    • History of unusual swelling (angioedema)
    • Taking other medications (ie. lisinopril) that can cause angioedema
  • Heart problems
    • History of cardiovascular disease
  • Swelling of the hands and feet
    • Taking with certain diabetes medications
  • Withdrawal symptoms
    • Stopping Lyrica (pregabalin) suddenly
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • 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
Learn more about Lyrica (pregabalin)
Learn more about Depakote (divalproex)