Depakote vs valporoic acid - Epilepsy Message Board

purple sage · 04-10-2008, 07:05 PM

My son was on depakote ER 500mg for several months wtih only partial control of seizures. About 6 weeks ago the dr added Lamictal. We have tirated it up to 50mg now, (son is 10) and when we saw the dr last week he said that since he is controlled now that we could use valparoic acid instead of the depakote just as a supplement to the lamictal.

However, when I went to fill it at the pharmacy the pharmacist had an absolute fit, telling me that Conner was going to resume siezures if we went with generic etc....I had the generic filled and the cost savings to me (pay for meds out of pocket) is significant. Does anyone have any input on whether the generic is as effective as brand name when combined with another drug?

Thanks

bettyst · 04-11-2008, 07:37 AM

Tripp takes Depokate and his neur said NO NO to the generic brand. He is also on Lyrica and Klonopin( he can take the generic brand of that)

Travis from MN · 04-11-2008, 10:51 AM

Valproic acid is depakene to clarify (capsule or syrup form last I knew).

Sodium di-valproex is Depakote (if I spelled that correctly).

technically they ARE different chemically.

To your point, I would suggest with almost any medication staying with what a patient is on, and not switching to generics. Generics can spur up reactions that will not appear on brand name. I've had that happen with a few medications.

I was not on Depa (either form) as a child. In my late teens/early 20's I was only on brand name Depakote with other medications at that time. So I only know about being on large doses of Depakote.

--Travis