Depakote: Generic vs. Brand name

Posted by lsittll @lsittll, Aug 13, 2023

The brand Depakote has been prescribed for me for years. Doctors have often said there is a difference in its effectiveness on seizures. I have breakthrough seizures when I take the generic. A neurologist told me neurologists prefer prescribing Depakote over valproic acid, Recently a pharmacist said Depakote is a very uncommonly used drug. Another pharmacy cannot order Depakote. It can only dispense valproic acid.

The other anti-seizure medications I take are generic. I am wondering how uncommon it is to require the brand name Depakote.

Please Share.

Laurie

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Chris Gautier OR Santosha | @santosha | Aug 14, 2023

Hi Laurie (@lsittll)
In one of the epilepsy groups I do participate in the US, the subject in the last meeting was generic versus branded AEDs, and what the differences are. According to what was shared, there are differences between the branded and generic versions. Many said that they were seizure-free with the branded version and had seizures when changing to a generic one. Also, another piece of information that was shared and might be important to know. It seems that in the US, when you buy a generic version of a medication you continually use, the manufacturer might change from one month to another. So, for those that use a generic AED it is important to use always from the same manufacturer as this might impact on seizures, checking this piece of information before the purchase.
Unfortunately, I can not tell you much about Depakote.
Have a good week!
Chris (Santosha)