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.

Weight Gain and Depakote

Sun, 02/06/2005 - 09:20
Topic: Teen Zone

Okay so I went to see my neurologist yesterday and he told me some not so good things about my medicine.  Well lately I've been gaining weight..but I exercise everyday for 20 to sometimes even an hour a day and I lift weights.  I did the no carb thing but that was short lived but I still counted calories and all that and I havent lost any weight. 

My neuro was like "ah you gained weight" and I'm like yeah thanks for reminding me.  He said it's because of the Depakote..I was pissed cuz I forgot about that side effect.  And he said I can never go off of the depakote b/c when I was just on lamictal I kept having seizures.  So I heard Topamax makes you lose weight instead of gain like on depakote.  I was wondering..if you have JME-can you take topamax instead of depakote???

Comments

Re: RE: Weight Gain and Depakote

Submitted by nell on Tue, 2006-03-21 - 18:23
I have the same problem as doksdarlin. I was placed on Depakote in my early 40's after an episode of Status epilepticus. I take 300mg of Dilantin and 20- 250 mg of Depakote a day. I gained 60+ lbs in about 7 weeks during a stay in the hospital. My hair falls out (and breaks off), I have tremors and even though I eat healthy and exercise 45 minutes a day, I cannot lose the weight I gained. I want to be healthy, but I see no light at the end of the tunnel. Is there anyone else who is taking as large a dose as I am and maintaining their weight w/o seizures?

RE: Weight Gain and Depakote

Submitted by Ache on Fri, 2005-01-21 - 03:07
Hello,
 
I too was on Depakote for the 1st couple of years after being diagnosed (age 19-21).  After never being over 100 lbs. (I was healthy, I swear it), I shot up to about 145 in 8 weeks (yeah, that can't be healthy).  The way my doc then described it was, 'This will slow your metabolism & also make you hungry.'  Throw a little depression in there due to weight gain, & voila! 
 
For me, I did Atkins (it was fairly new then).  I lost 25 lbs. in about 7 weeks, & then begged a new doc to switch me to something else, which was Tegretol.  I find that losing weight is still a challenge after 5 years on this medicine (but do-able with determination), and gaining weight for 'no reason' is not applicable.  I know if I put on a few pounds that it is from a few weeks of eating pure junk & not exercising, whereas eating anything on Depakote made me gain.
 
Ache
Hello,
 
I too was on Depakote for the 1st couple of years after being diagnosed (age 19-21).  After never being over 100 lbs. (I was healthy, I swear it), I shot up to about 145 in 8 weeks (yeah, that can't be healthy).  The way my doc then described it was, 'This will slow your metabolism & also make you hungry.'  Throw a little depression in there due to weight gain, & voila! 
 
For me, I did Atkins (it was fairly new then).  I lost 25 lbs. in about 7 weeks, & then begged a new doc to switch me to something else, which was Tegretol.  I find that losing weight is still a challenge after 5 years on this medicine (but do-able with determination), and gaining weight for 'no reason' is not applicable.  I know if I put on a few pounds that it is from a few weeks of eating pure junk & not exercising, whereas eating anything on Depakote made me gain.
 
Ache

RE: Weight Gain and Depakote

Submitted by cstrain on Sun, 2005-01-23 - 04:43

great replies so far (well, not so sure about the pot/booze one) but anyways

i'm on depekene (same as depakote) and i think the weight gain is a concern of course.  i also have JME.  been on depekene for a long time now...so yes, the weight gain will even out and stop (i've been the same size/weight for at least 5 yrs now).  i think when u are new on the drug to watch your diet and exercise and  that is the best you can hope for.  i've heard the stories of how ppl have lost tons of weight AFTER going off of depekene, but for me personally, i've stuck with the depekene.  don't know if i want to risk it - depekene is typically the best for JME.  if it is working and you want to get your license, i'd suggest to stick it out.  you'll need a certain # of years seizure free for a license.  definately, don't go the route of pot and booze...this is not good advice!!!

hope this helps a bit with your decision

cassandra

great replies so far (well, not so sure about the pot/booze one) but anyways

i'm on depekene (same as depakote) and i think the weight gain is a concern of course.  i also have JME.  been on depekene for a long time now...so yes, the weight gain will even out and stop (i've been the same size/weight for at least 5 yrs now).  i think when u are new on the drug to watch your diet and exercise and  that is the best you can hope for.  i've heard the stories of how ppl have lost tons of weight AFTER going off of depekene, but for me personally, i've stuck with the depekene.  don't know if i want to risk it - depekene is typically the best for JME.  if it is working and you want to get your license, i'd suggest to stick it out.  you'll need a certain # of years seizure free for a license.  definately, don't go the route of pot and booze...this is not good advice!!!

hope this helps a bit with your decision

cassandra

Sign Up for Emails

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

Subscribe