Seroquel Versus Depakote
Seroquel is an atypical anti-psychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia and manic depressive episodes. However, the drug has also been utilized in various off-label treatments as well, including dementia and obsessive compulsive disorder. Other anti-psychotic medications are commonly used in some of the same areas as Seroquel; one example of which is Depakote.
Depakote is primarily used to treat various seizure disorders. However, just like Seroquel it has also been used for off-label purposes; including the manic depressive stage of bipolar disorder.
Both drugs are used as effective anti-psychotics and mood stabilizers but there are pros and cons associated with each. The primary difference between the medications is the severity of the side effects. Seroquel and Depakote have encountered problems in the pharmaceutical market for their effects on users but Seroquel has gained much more notoriety over the past few years. Abbott Laboratories is the driving force behind Depakote while AstraZeneca markets Seroquel.
The serious side effects associated with Depakote are pancreatitis, depression, and a possible worsening of seizures. Depakote also has lawsuits pending for the birth defects that it can cause. Some of the more serious birth defects include: spina bidifa, cleft palate, facial dysmorphism, congenital cardiac defects, limb reductions, and skeletal abnormalities. These birth defects have been widely reported in women that took Depakote while they were pregnant. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issues a boxed warning on Depakote indicating that the drug could have life threatening adverse reactions.
Seroquel is becoming infamous for its association in cases of diabetes, weight gain, and pancreatitis. There have been more than 25,000 lawsuits seeking damages and compensation against AstraZeneca regarding Seroquel. Seroquel is also required to carry a black box warning, because of the severity of some potential side effects.
Both Seroquel and Depakote can have devastating effects on one’s pancreas. Pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed and can have life threatening consequences. Some side effects are notably worse than others but pancreatitis is a very serious disease and in some cases would be arguably as bad, if not worse, than the original condition that was being treated.
Seroquel and Depakote can both have staggering side effects. As a result, both drugs have received complaints. The best way to find out which drug is right for you would be to receive medical consultation. A doctor would be able to correctly assess which drug is right for your needs. Do not be afraid to conduct some independent research though because while most doctors are honest and trustworthy, some have ties to the pharmaceutical companies that sell these drugs and stand to make big profits for the patients that they prescribe them to.
It is of course only beneficial to use a drug if the resulting effects would be better than one’s current condition. Seroquel and Depakote are special examples in the regard that a very detailed analysis should be performed before either is chosen as a treatment. All users of these drugs should proceed with caution.