What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Divalproex and rufinamide
Divalproex's FDA label of March 31, 2026 names rufinamide in its drug interactions section; rufinamide's label does not name divalproex itself but warns about its class (Anti-seizure medicines). The divalproex label: “… inhibiting their metabolism or protein binding displacement Patients stabilized on rufinamide should begin valproate therapy at a low dose, and titrate to clinically effective dose Dosage adjustment of …”
Check it at the source: the divalproex FDA label on DailyMed (effective March 31, 2026, AbbVie Inc.); the rufinamide FDA label on DailyMed (effective December 15, 2022, Eisai Inc.).
What does the divalproex label say about rufinamide?
Divalproex label, drug interactionsMonitoring of valproate concentrations is recommended ( 7.1 ) Co-administration of valproate can affect the pharmacokinetics of other drugs (e.g., diazepam, ethosuximide, lamotrigine, phenytoin) by inhibiting their metabolism or protein binding displacement ( 7.2 ) Patients stabilized on rufinamide should begin valproate therapy at a low dose, and titrate to clinically effective dose ( 7.2 ) Dosage adjustment of amitriptyline/nortriptyline, propofol, warfarin, and zidovudine may be necessary if used concomitantly with Depakote ( 7.2 ) Topiramate:
Source: FDA drug label (Depakote), AbbVie Inc., effective March 31, 2026 (SPL set 08a65cf4-7749-4ceb-6895-8f4805e2b01f), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the rufinamide label say about divalproex?
Rufinamide's label does not name divalproex itself; it warns about its class (Anti-seizure medicines):
Rufinamide label, warnings and precautionsCaution should be used when administering BANZEL with other drugs that shorten the QT interval [ see Contraindications ( 4 ) ]. Multi-organ Hypersensitivity /Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS), also known as multi-organ hypersensitivity, has been reported in patients taking antiepileptic drugs, including BANZEL.
Rufinamide label, warnings and precautionsBehavior and Ideation Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including BANZEL, increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication.
Source: FDA drug label (Banzel), Eisai Inc., effective December 15, 2022 (SPL set 0a3fa925-1abd-458a-bd57-4ae780a1ef2d), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
These are the labels' own sentences. PlainMeds does not grade interactions; a pharmacist or prescriber can say what they mean for one person's medicines.
Both medicines on the record
| Divalproex | Rufinamide | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Bipolar disorder, Migraine, Seizures and epilepsy | n/a |
| Boxed warning | Yes | No |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | $0.194 per tablet 500 mg tablet | $0.203 per mL 40 mg/mL suspension |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
Source: FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026 and the FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Check more medicines together
- up to five at once