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Depakote, Behaviors, and personality

Mon, 02/11/2008 - 19:22
My 7 year old daughter was diagnosed with Epilepsy a year ago this coming April.  She has been on Depakote since the beginning.  It seems to be doing very well at controlling the seizures, but she has become a whole different child.  It breaks my heart, and every day seems to get a little bit worse.  She is regressing academicaly, socially, and emotionally.  Her neuro seems to think it is all "behavior issues".  He doesn't want to change the meds but has mentioned it a couple of times.  He seems to think she will be like this no matter what we put her on.  I want my little girl back.  Anybody else struggling with this?

Comments

Re: Depakote, Behaviors, and personality

Submitted by rusty1987 on Tue, 2008-02-12 - 08:57

Hi nytasha,

The difference we have is I am adult with a 20 year history of seizures. Our problem is the same though regarding the personality change. I have never had good results for seizure control until now. The problems are horrible, themed started Sept. 3,'07, since i have gained a lot of weight, I have constantly regressing,"I do not care", I just want to sleep to pass life, I am not social at all, I honestly have no desire to speak to anyone, etc; I have the same problem with my Dr.,"she does not want to stop meds. I think it is their proclaim to victory so you beware. I hope this helps.

Hi nytasha,

The difference we have is I am adult with a 20 year history of seizures. Our problem is the same though regarding the personality change. I have never had good results for seizure control until now. The problems are horrible, themed started Sept. 3,'07, since i have gained a lot of weight, I have constantly regressing,"I do not care", I just want to sleep to pass life, I am not social at all, I honestly have no desire to speak to anyone, etc; I have the same problem with my Dr.,"she does not want to stop meds. I think it is their proclaim to victory so you beware. I hope this helps.

Re: Depakote, Behaviors, and personality

Submitted by mally hoo on Tue, 2008-02-12 - 09:55
Hi Nytasha. I don't know why doctors don't tell people about this, it is irresponsible to give people medication and not tell them the full effects. I'm an adult with epilepsy and have been on a variety of meds. Each have had an effect on my personality. Some made me angry and hostile others made me cry. Currently, I'm simply detached. Emotionless. I'm sorry about your daughter. All I can say is WATCH HER. If she is becoming less herself, you may not want to continue this medication. Be somewhat wary of doctors thinking they know everything. You're the Mom and if your gut tells you something isn't right-LISTEN. You know your child better than any doctor !!!!  Melissa D

Re: Depakote, Behaviors, and personality

Submitted by nytasha on Tue, 2008-02-12 - 10:41
I know what you mean.  The doctors don't even aknowledge that this is even a possibility.  He argues with me when I tell him that I think this might be what is going on.  He thinks she is doing great, the thirty seconds that he sees her.  I was starting to think I was the crazy one, until I got online and saw other people have had the same problems.  What scares me is that it isn't just Depakote, will I ever have my little girl back?  Thanks for your help!

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