Is divalproex sodium simply a higher dose of clonazepam? They seem to be in the same category: anti-convulsants. If used for bipolar disorder, would they just be affecting the depression side alone?
Divalproex sodium and clonazepam: similarities?
Question posted by mmmousemaid on 16 Feb 2022
Last updated on 20 February 2022
Added 17 Feb 2022:
sorry: that should read: "just be affecting the manic side alone".
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Answers
WildcatVet
16 Feb 2022
Technically, clonazepam isn't an anticonvulsant although it's sometimes prescribed to help control seizure activity. It's a benzodiazepine which is a mild sedative.
divalproex sodium is a true anticonvulsive but is also prescribed as a "mood stabilizer" and in my experience worked better for mania than for depression.
mmmousemaid
17 Feb 2022
Yes, I would not be surprised if it used in bipolar disorder to pacify manic states, it being an anticonvulsant, and hence a CNS depressant; unlike lithium's unique ability to stabilize both mania and depression, for a still obscure reason. As for clonazepam being a benzo; i have always had my doubts about that. I think it is unique in being dumped in the benzo class; i think it is different from most benzodiazepines.
WildcatVet
17 Feb 2022
How so?
mmmousemaid
17 Feb 2022
For one thing, it is prescribed for chronic use, and does not necessitate increases in dose to maintain the same effect, like all the other benzos (by *all* is what I know of other typical benzos ). For another, it is an anti-epileptic; again unlike the other benzos.
WildcatVet
17 Feb 2022
This is just what I've read in the literature:
"Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine. It is approved for the treatment of panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia), as well as certain types of seizure disorders."
This quote is from the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
" Benzodiazepines may produce emotional and/or physical dependence (addiction) even when used as recommended. Physical dependence may develop after 2 or more weeks of daily use."
"Clonazepam is not generally recommended for long-term use because it is known to be a habit-forming substance."
"Klonopin should not be relied on for prolonged periods of time, and it is safest when used for short durations of time – less than two weeks. "
I've also read though that clonazepam may be the safest of the benzodiazepines...
mmmousemaid
17 Feb 2022
Irrelevant to the discussion of uniqueness of klonopin, imo.
WildcatVet
17 Feb 2022
PROS:
Works quickly within the hour.
Can be used together with antidepressants to manage panic disorders.
Lasts longer and has less severe withdrawal symptoms compared to similar medications.
Available as a fast-acting tablet that can dissolve on your tongue
CONS:
Can be habit-forming, so is not typically used for long-term treatment.
Can cause memory problems, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion.
Can develop tolerance and dependence to this drug so you might need higher doses over time to establish the same seizure control.
It may be unique in it's mode of action and less intense discontinuation symptoms?
mmmousemaid
20 Feb 2022
Feb 20th: FYI I have started divalproex sodium again after a short cessation, because I am starting to feel low, even though I don't know if it's my knee or bipolar returning. This is frustrating.
masso
16 Feb 2022
Click on the link for a full comparison between both meds:
https://www.drugs.com/compare/divalproex-sodium-vs-clonazepam
Related topics
depression, clonazepam, divalproex sodium, dosage, anticonvulsant, sodium, anticonvulsants
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