Keppra vs. Depakote
- Are Keppra and Depakote the Same Thing?
- What Are Possible Side Effects of Keppra?
- What Are Possible Side Effects of Depakote?
- What is Keppra?
- What is Depakote?
- What Drugs Interact with Keppra?
- What Drugs Interact with Depakote?
- How Should Keppra Be Taken?
- How Should DepakoteBe Taken?
Are Keppra and Depakote the Same Thing?
Keppra (levetiracetam) and Depakote (divalproex sodium) are anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) (anticonvulsants) used to treat seizures in people with epilepsy.
Keppra is often used in conjunction with other drugs.
Depakote is also used to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder and migraine headaches.
What Are Possible Side Effects of Keppra?
Common side effects of Keppra include:
- drowsiness,
- weakness,
- infection,
- loss of appetite,
- stuffy nose,
- tiredness, and
- dizziness.
Side effects of Keppra in children include
- sleepiness,
- accidental injury,
- hostility, nervousness, and
- weakness.
What Are Possible Side Effects of Depakote?
Common side effects of Depakote include:
- drowsiness,
- weakness,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- stomach upset,
- diarrhea,
- constipation,
- mood swings,
- changes in menstrual periods,
- enlarged breasts,
- weight changes,
- agitation,
- tremor (shaking),
- vision changes,
- unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth, and
- hair loss.
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including Depakote, increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, and/or any unusual changes in mood or behavior.
What is Keppra?
Keppra (levetiracetam) is an anti-epileptic drug (AED) (antoconvulsant) often used in conjunction with other drugs to treat types of seizures in people with epilepsy.
What is Depakote?
Depakote (divalproex sodium) is a stable coordination compound comprised of sodium valproate and valproic acid used to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, epilepsy, and migraine headaches. Generic Depakote (termed divalproex sodium) is available under several other names.
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See ImagesWhat Drugs Interact With Keppra?
Keppra may interact with alcohol.
What Drugs Interact With Depakote?
Depakote may interact with ritonavir, phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, primidone, aspirin, carbapenem antibiotics, felbamate, rifampin, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, carbamazepine, clonazepam, diazepam, ethosuximide, lamotrigine, tolbutamide, warfarin, zidovudine, lorazepam, and topiramate. Depakote is not recommended for use during pregnancy; it may harm a fetus. Women should talk to their doctor about using contraception while taking Depakote. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
How Should Keppra Be Taken?
Keppra (levetiracetam) is available in pills in the following dosages and colors: 250 mg (blue), 500 mg (yellow), 750 mg (orange), and 1,000 mg (white). Keppra (levetiracetam) is also available as a clear, colorless grape-flavored liquid at a concentration of 100 mg/mL. Drug interactions include phenytoin, valproate, oral contraceptives, digoxin, warfarin, and probenecid. Keppra (levetiracetam) should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Keppra (levetiracetam) is excreted in breast milk. Women must talk to their doctors to decide whether to discontinue nursing or the drug.
How Should DepakoteBe Taken?
The recommended initial dose of Depakote to treat mania is 750 mg daily in divided doses. The dose of Depakote to treat epilepsy as monotherapy should be initiated at 10 to 15 mg/kg/day.
