Community Forum Archive

The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

Starting Depakote and scared

Thu, 07/13/2006 - 18:44
I went to the neuro today and he changed my meds because I had a seizure the lst of June. He is tapering me off the lamictal and leaving me on topamax and is starting me on Depakote. I will end up being on 200MG of topamax and 500MG of Depakote then in three weeks I have to go get a blood level done. I have read about all the side effects and I am almost afraid to start taking it. I will take it but I am really afraid of it. Does any one have any good things to share about it? Mary

Comments

Re: Re: Re: Starting Depakote and scared

Submitted by themaleys on Wed, 2006-07-19 - 09:15
Thanks for your response. Keep me informed of what happens. Hope everything goes ok with you. Mary

Re: Starting Depakote and scared

Submitted by themaleys on Sat, 2006-08-05 - 21:59
I had to go get a Depakote level done Thursday, that afternoon the nurse called to say it was low and the doctor would be calling me to adjust my depakote dose. Now I take 500MG in am and in the pm.. What is the highest and the lowest people are usually on. I am not sure that I like this med or not. I am really tired and nauseated, I have lost 14 pounds since starting the drug. I was already on Topamax and had been on it for about two years. Stomach ache and diarrhea.

Re: Re: Starting Depakote and scared

Submitted by Amanda06 on Wed, 2006-08-09 - 12:29
I just started Depakote Er. I have been on it for 2 days. I was diagnosed with absence seizures and grand mal. So far I have only experienced being tired and nauseated. I am so afraid of the side effect of weight gain. I will be taking 1000mg's a day once I build it up. I am so glad to hear I am not the only one experiencing this. I go in 6 weeks to have blood work done so I won't really know anything until then. It made me feel better reading all the posts and hopefully this medication will work for me. My neuro said that it is the one with the less side effects. Take Care!

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.