DEPAKOTE vs DEPAKOTE ER

Independent side-by-side comparison.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 16, 2026·How we rate

Attribute	DEPAKOTE	DEPAKOTE ER
Rating	72/100	70/100
Pharmacy pays	~$5.99 /30	~$5.99 /30
Type	RX	RX
Active ingredient	DIVALPROEX SODIUM	DIVALPROEX SODIUM
Manufacturer	Abbvie	Abbott
Dosage forms	Tablet, delayed release	Tablet, extended release
Drug class	Anti-Epileptic Agent	Anti-Epileptic Agent
Boxed warning	Boxed warning	None
Half-life	about 9 to 16 hours (the label's mean terminal half-life range for valproate monotherapy)	about 9 to 16 hours (the label's mean terminal half-life range for valproate monotherapy)
Treats	Bipolar Disorder, Epilepsy, Absence Epilepsy	Bipolar Disorder, Epilepsy, Absence Epilepsy

depakote depakote er

Rating

72/100

70/100

Pharmacy pays

~$5.99 /30

Type

Active ingredient

DIVALPROEX SODIUM

Manufacturer

Abbvie

Abbott

Dosage forms

Tablet, delayed release

Tablet, extended release

Drug class

Anti-Epileptic Agent

Boxed warning

None

Half-life

about 9 to 16 hours (the label's mean terminal half-life range for valproate monotherapy)

Treats

Bipolar Disorder, Epilepsy, Absence Epilepsy

Frequently asked questions

Which is better-rated, Depakote or Depakote ER?

By our independent rating, Depakote scores higher — 3.6 vs 3.5 out of 5 for Depakote ER. Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data.

Which is cheaper, Depakote or Depakote ER?

Pharmacies pay about the same to acquire either one — roughly $5.99 for a 30-count supply, per the CMS NADAC survey. That is not what you will be charged: your price is set by your insurer and the pharmacy, not by what the drug cost them.

What is the difference between Depakote and Depakote ER?

Both Depakote and Depakote ER share the active ingredient Divalproex Sodium.

Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data. This comparison is for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional before choosing or switching a medication.