How does Depakote differ from Abilify? (+3 differences)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss the differences between Depakote and Abilify. Depakote is the brand name for Divalproex sodium and Abilify is the brand name for aripiprazole. Both medications are different in several ways.
How does Depakote differ from Abilify?
Depakote and Abilify differ in their active ingredients, mechanism of action, indications, side effects, dosage forms, and some other aspects. The active ingredient in Depakote is Divalproex sodium. It is an antiepileptic or anticonvulsant medication (1).
Abilify is the brand name for aripiprazole which is an atypical antipsychotic (2). Abilify and Depakote both interact with different neurotransmitters in the brain to produce their therapeutic effects.
Under some conditions, Depakote and Abilify can be used together. Your healthcare provider may prescribe them together under some conditions. Both drugs are different and should not be replaced with each other.
What are the differences between Depakote and Abilify?
The major difference between Depakote and Abilify is their active ingredient. Due to different active ingredients, these drugs differ in the following ways:
Mechanism of action:
The exact mechanism of Depakote is not fully understood. Divalproex sodium breaks down into valproate ions within the digestive system. Its antiepileptic activity may be due to an increase in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) (1).
Depakote may also influence sodium and calcium channels and the activity of some enzymes to produce its therapeutic effects (3).
Abilify interacts with various neurotransmitters in the body. It functions as a partial agonist at dopamine (D2) and serotonin (5-HT1A) receptors. At the 5-HT2A receptors of serotonin, Abilify acts as an antagonist (2).
Abilify also binds to other receptors of dopamine and serotonin, and histamine (H1) and alpha-1 adrenergic receptors to produce its therapeutic effects (2).
Therapeutic indications:
Depakote is used therapeutically for the following conditions (1):
- episodes of mania linked with bipolar disorder
- complex partial seizures (monotherapy and adjunctive therapy)
- simple and complex seizures (monotherapy and adjunctive therapy)
- to manage individuals with multiple seizure types
- to prevent migraines
Abilify is used therapeutically for the following conditions (2):
- schizophrenia
- bipolar disorder (to manage manic and mixed episodes)
- major depressive disorder (adjunctive treatment)
- autistic disorder (to manage irritability)
- Tourette’s disorder
Side effects:
Common side effects associated with Depakote include (1):
- stomach ache
- dizziness
- alopecia
- rash
- dyspnea
- nervousness
- anorexia
- fever
- nausea
- ataxia
- headache
- backache
- sleep disturbances
- constipation
- increase in appetite
- somnolence
Common side effects of Abilify include (2):
- akathisia
- restlessness
- tiredness
- insomnia
- somnolence
- nausea
- tremor
- blurry vision
- dizziness
- excessive production of saliva
- headache
- increased appetite
Dosage forms:
Depakote is supplied in the form of extended-release (ER) tablets (250 mg and 500 mg), delayed-release tablets (150 mg, 250 mg, and 500 mg), and sprinkle capsules. In the oral solution formulation, Depakote is supplied as Depakene (1).
Abilify is supplied in the following dosage forms (2):
| dosage forms | strengths |
| tablets | 2mg, 5mg, 10mg, 15mg, 20mg, 30mg |
| orally disintegrating tablets | 1mg/ml |
| oral solution | 1mg/ml |
| intramuscular injection | 7.5mg/ml |
Metabolism:
In the metabolism of Depakote, the liver plays an active role. 30-50% of Depakote dose is excreted in urine as a glucuronide conjugate. Over 40% of the dose is metabolised by the mitochondrial beta-oxidation pathway (1).
Other oxidative mechanisms are also involved in the metabolism of Depakote (1). On the other hand, Abilify also undergoes hepatic metabolism through the involvement of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 enzymes (2).
Can you take Depakote and Abilify together?
Abilify and Depakote can be prescribed together under some conditions. The drugs should only be used together when prescribed by the healthcare provider. Research indicates that the combination can be used to manage bipolar disorder.
Evidence suggests that treatment with Abilify and Depakote may be effective in managing patients with bipolar disorder who also present with the following comorbidities (4):
- anxiety
- drug abuse
- obsessive-compulsive disorder
Thus, Depakote and Abilify can be prescribed together under some conditions. However, the medications should not be used without medical oversight.
As per my understanding, Depakote and Abilify are different drugs. The active ingredient in Depakote is Divalproex sodium and it is an anticonvulsant medication. Abilify is the brand name for aripiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic.
Depakote and Abilify differ in terms of their mechanism of action, indications, side effects, dosage forms, and metabolism. If prescribed by your healthcare provider, they can be used together.
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References
1.-
Depakote (divalproex sodium) Tablets for Oral use. Abbott Laboratories. Reference ID: 3026475 [Internet] [updated 2011 Oct; cited 2023 Dec 28]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/018723s037lbl.pdf
2.-
ABILIFY® (aripiprazole) Tablets. Otsuka America Pharmaceutical. Reference ID: 03US20IBR0006 [Internet] [updated 2020 Jun; cited 2023 Dec 28]. Available from: https://www.otsuka-us.com/sites/g/files/qhldwo4671/files/media/static/Abilify-PI.pdf
3.-
Rahman M, Awosika AO, Nguyen H. Valproic Acid. [Updated 2023 Aug 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559112/
4.-
de Bartolomeis A, Perugi G. Combination of aripiprazole with mood stabilizers for the treatment of bipolar disorder: from acute mania to long-term maintenance. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2012 Oct;13(14):2027-36. doi: 10.1517/14656566.2012.719876. Epub 2012 Sep 4. Erratum in: Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2012 Nov;13(16):2427. PMID: 22946707.
