Comparing Divalproex Sodium vs Lithium

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
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Divalproex sodium

Lithium

Divalproex may be used in the treatment of absence or partial seizures, as a preventive treatment for migraine, and to treat mania associated with bipolar disorder. Divalproex may adversely and... View more

Lithium may be used to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder; however, there is a fine line between too much and too little, and ongoing monitoring is needed to prevent lithium... View more

Prescription only

See the full lithium side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance

Quantity	100 each
Dosage	250 mg
Per Unit^*	$0.30 - $0.66
Cost^*	$29.81 - $65.96

View all divalproex sodium prices

Quantity	100 capsule
Dosage	300 mg
Per Unit^*	$0.16
Cost^*	$16.46

View all lithium prices

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Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

Dosage Form(s) Available

Oral delayed release capsule
Oral delayed release tablet
Oral tablet, extended release

Oral capsule
Oral syrup
Oral tablet
Oral tablet, extended release

Brand Names

Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkles Lithium Carbonate ER, Lithobid

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

16 hours

29 hours

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category

Category D Positive evidence of risk

When Treating Epilepsy And Manic Episodes Associated With Bipolar Disorder

Category X Not for use in pregnancy

When Treating Migraine

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

Category D Positive evidence of risk

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

Drug Interactions

A total of 361 drugs are known to interact with divalproex sodium:

18 major drug interactions (47 brand and generic names)
323 moderate drug interactions (2099 brand and generic names)
20 minor drug interactions (146 brand and generic names)

A total of 659 drugs are known to interact with lithium:

167 major drug interactions (649 brand and generic names)
441 moderate drug interactions (1791 brand and generic names)
51 minor drug interactions (347 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of divalproex sodium such as dizziness... View more

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of lithium such as dizziness, drowsiness, and... View more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

March 10, 1983

April 06, 1970

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

More Information

Consumer Resources

Professional Resources

Prescribing Information

Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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