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Comparing Divalproex Sodium vs Risperdal

Divalproex sodium

Risperdal

risperidone

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... more

Risperdal is an antipsychotic that relieves psychotic symptoms in people with schizophrenia or mania and is also used in the treatment of autistic disorder. Side effects are less likely at lower... more

Prescription only

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

Recent helpful reviews
6.6
331 Reviews

For Bipolar Disorder Worked well, controlled my mood swings and hallucinations. Unfortunately I gained 100 pounds in a year and a half. Also remember to get your bloodwork done. My blood pressure and blood sugar shot up really bad.

7
Spleener

For Bipolar Disorder Dosage 250mg 1/c daily initially caused drastic strain on liver and overwhelming sedation. 30days of 125mg 2/c daily significantly reduced liver and kidney pain while improving emotional stability, depression, impulsivity & patience with interpersonal relationships. Recommend in conjunction with an antipsychotic for people with BPD/Emotion-Impulse Regulation Dysfunction.

7
ARODC77
6.1
161 Reviews

For Bipolar Disorder It's helped my paranoia, delusions, irrational thoughts, and impulses to self-injure and commit suicide more than anything else. Also helps control the hypomania because I'm not on a mood stabilizer. It just also makes me extremely tired and sedated and I'm constantly hungry and have gained a lot of weight on it. I've fluctuated in my dosage from 3 milligrams to as low as 0.5. Currently taking 2 to 2.5 right now.

7
Invisiblecreeper

For Bipolar Disorder It def helped with my mania,I just feel slightly off on it but it has helped a lot I take this and celexa to help with my obsessing but the risperdal made me gain weight,I went from 120-125 to 140 I'm so unhappy bout the weight gain I'm going to try to switch medications&will come back to this if I have 2,trying 2 find something better but this def helped my mania and doesn't make me real tired like seroquel and abilify or almost pass out like geodon

7
Steffy Stef

View all 331 reviews

View all 161 reviews

Drug Class

Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects include: abdominal pain, asthenia, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, thrombocytopenia, and anorexia.

See the full divalproex sodium side effects document.

Common side effects include: agitation, akathisia, anxiety, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dystonia, extrapyramidal reaction, nausea, rhinitis, and weight gain.

See the full Risperdal side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance
Quantity 60 each
Dosage 250 mg
Per Unit* $0.43
Cost* $25.88
View all divalproex sodium prices
Quantity 15 tablet
Dosage 1 mg
Per Unit* $10.89
Cost* $163.36
View all Risperdal prices
View generic prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

Yes

Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Oral delayed release capsule
  • Oral delayed release tablet
  • Oral tablet, extended release
  • Oral solution
  • Oral tablet

Brand Names
Depakote, Depakote ER, and Depakote Sprinkles Other risperidone brands include: Risperdal Consta, and Risperdal M-Tab

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

24 hours

CSA Schedule

View glossary of terms.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category
D
Category D Positive evidence of risk

When Treating Epilepsy And Manic Episodes Associated With Bipolar Disorder

X
Category X Not for use in pregnancy

When Treating Migraine

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

FDA Alerts

FDA Alerts (5)

FDA Alerts (7)

Drug Interactions

A total of 743 drugs are known to interact with divalproex sodium:

  • 22 major drug interactions (67 brand and generic names)
  • 670 moderate drug interactions (4922 brand and generic names)
  • 51 minor drug interactions (353 brand and generic names)

A total of 1114 drugs are known to interact with Risperdal:

  • 190 major drug interactions (1092 brand and generic names)
  • 913 moderate drug interactions (4971 brand and generic names)
  • 11 minor drug interactions (72 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of divalproex sodium such as dizziness,... more
  • RisperiDONE oral solution should not be mixed with tea or cola. It may be taken with water,... more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

March 10, 1983

December 29, 1993

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

More Information

Consumer Resources

Professional Resources

Related Treatment Guide

Disclaimer: This site is designed to offer information for general educational purposes only. The health information furnished on this site and the interactive responses are not intended to be professional advice and are not intended to replace personal consultation with a qualified physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. You must always seek the advice of a professional for questions related to a disease, disease symptoms, and appropriate therapeutic treatments.

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