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Has Depakote helped anyone in a positive way?

Mon, 05/30/2005 - 21:12
I am new here and I have been reading tons of stuff about depakote and its side affects and I am saying in my head "holy crap, that was EXACTLY what happened to me!" you know, like major weight gain, major hair loss, I would get horrible head aches, bad heart burn, I would get sick all of the time, and it was just horrible. Now I am on 300mg of lamictal (for JME) and it has been way better!

Comments

Re: Has Depakote helped anyone in a positive way?

Submitted by Megan1373 on Tue, 2006-02-14 - 03:29
I was on depakote for 14 yrs worked great for me. It did make me sleepy at times. But I loved it!!! Depakote was a wonder drug for me. It did not work for my sis and it put her in a 2 day coma at one point. Now I am being switched to keppra tho. Im wondering if its worth the trouble. I'd love to go back to depakote

Re: Re: Has Depakote helped anyone in a positive way?

Submitted by Ashley on Thu, 2006-06-08 - 12:27
We just found out in Feb. that i had JME, or that is what they diagnosed, I have been on Lamictal, with Freaky mood swings, I have been on Zonegran, but was still having "seizures" by that i mean, I passed out, no jerking, maybe a lil muscle shiver almost... but no dramatic jerking. So now they prescribed the Depakote Er... i have read these posts.. and im not so sure i want to even start on it, or just stay on the Zonegran. I am 15 years old. The Doctor told me that he wasnt TOTALLY positive i was Epileptic even, so they are doing another EEG.. but, Im having to take the meds until they find out. When I pass out, I totally face plant it. I have fell on the rocks at the creek when we went swimming with the family, i fell at a carnival, which i face planted it on some cement, and gravel.. have never cut my face or bruised, but how many times can one hit full force on their heads without hurting something? I dont want to start the Depakote, because of all the side effects i have read.. but i dont want to keep passing out either..

Hi Ashley, :) Of all the

Submitted by solis on Thu, 2006-06-08 - 14:57
Hi Ashley, :) Of all the meds I have ever been on my entire life, Depakene (related to Depakote) was THE WORST!! My hair fell out, one hand constantly shook, I had no appetite and if I did eat.. the food immediately went though me. It was horrible!! (Did squat for my seizures also) However, we all react differently, and Depakene & Depakote are still popular meds since they DO work for some people. So, regardless of the possible side effects (hey, we both know everything we put into ourselves, even the good stuff like 'chocolate' which can make us fat & cause cavities) can 'possibly' have side effects. So no worries. Give it a go..and know I wish you the best luck.:) ~sol

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