Depakote vs. Lithobid

• Are Depakote and Lithobid the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Depakote?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Lithobid?
• What Is Depakote?
• What Is Lithobid?
• What Drugs Interact with Depakote?
• What Drugs Interact with Lithobid?
• How Should Depakote Be Taken?
• How Should Lithobid Be Taken?

Depakote (divalproex sodium) and Lithobid (lithium carbonate) are used to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder.

Depakote is also used to treat epilepsy and migraine headaches.

Lithobid is also indicated as a maintenance treatment for individuals with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

Depakote and Lithobid belong to different drug classes. Depakote is an anticonvulsant and Lithobid is an alkali-metal.

Side effects of Depakote and Lithobid that are similar include drowsiness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and tremor (shaking).

Side effects of Depakote that are different from Lithobid include stomach upset, constipation, mood swings, changes in menstrual periods, enlarged breasts, weight changes, agitation, vision changes, unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth, and hair loss.

Side effects of Lithobid that are different from Depakote include increased dilute urination, mild thirst, and lack of coordination.

Depakote may interact with other anticonvulsants, phenobarbital, aspirin, carbapenem antibiotics, rifampin, tricyclic antidepressants, benzodiazepines, tolbutamide, warfarin, or HIV/AIDS medications.

Lithobid may interact with diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, acetazolamide, urea, xanthine preparations, alkalinizing agents such as sodium bicarbonate, iodide preparations, calcium channel blockers, metronidazole, fluoxetine, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

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.

Common side effects of Lithobid include:

• hand tremor
• increased dilute urination
• mild thirst
• nausea
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• drowsiness
• muscular weakness, and
• lack of coordination

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.

Lithobid (lithium carbonate) Extended-Release is an alkali-metal indicated in the treatment of manic episodes of Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar Disorder, Manic (DSM-IV) is equivalent to Manic Depressive illness, Manic, in the older DSM-II terminology. Lithobid is also indicated as a maintenance treatment for individuals with a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. Maintenance therapy reduces the frequency of manic episodes and diminishes the intensity of those episodes which may occur.

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.

Lithobid may interact with diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, acetazolamide, urea, xanthine preparations, alkalinizing agents such as sodium bicarbonate, iodide preparations, calcium channel blockers, metronidazole, fluoxetine, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Lithobid is not recommended for use during pregnancy; it may harm a fetus. Lithobid passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding while using Lithobid is not recommended.

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. The recommended starting dose of Depakote to treat migraines is 250 mg twice daily.

Optimal patient response can usually be established with 1800 mg/day Lithobid, taken as 3 tablets in the morning, and 3 tablets in the evening.