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 - 09:20Okay 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: Weight Gain and Depakote
Submitted by maddy2by4 on Mon, 2005-03-21 - 02:49
After brain surgeryIn 1995(repaired an A.V. Malformation), scar tissue that developed caused me to have ongoing seizures. I was put on every anti-seizure drug at the time, but was allergic to all of them, except Depakote. Weight gain was the first side effect that I noticed from the drug. I have been on the Depakote until February of this year, when I heard that Topamax might control my seizures. This meant no more going in to get my valproic acid levels checked, no more being tired, and most importantly, I could lose the 50 plus pounds that I put on over the past ten years. After being on the Topomax for three weeks, I had a seizure. The first one in five years. I realized one thing for sure then. The weight gain sucks, but the grand-mals suck even more. I have not found a diet that seems to work miracles yet, but I am not giving up yet. For now it is smaller portions, and plenty of exercise. Atleast I can maintain my weight by doing this.
Take Care,
maddy
After brain surgeryIn 1995(repaired an A.V. Malformation), scar tissue that developed caused me to have ongoing seizures. I was put on every anti-seizure drug at the time, but was allergic to all of them, except Depakote. Weight gain was the first side effect that I noticed from the drug. I have been on the Depakote until February of this year, when I heard that Topamax might control my seizures. This meant no more going in to get my valproic acid levels checked, no more being tired, and most importantly, I could lose the 50 plus pounds that I put on over the past ten years. After being on the Topomax for three weeks, I had a seizure. The first one in five years. I realized one thing for sure then. The weight gain sucks, but the grand-mals suck even more. I have not found a diet that seems to work miracles yet, but I am not giving up yet. For now it is smaller portions, and plenty of exercise. Atleast I can maintain my weight by doing this.
Take Care,
maddy
Re: RE: Weight Gain and Depakote
Submitted by bjoy on Thu, 2006-09-07 - 19:17
Hi, I know you posted this a loooooong time ago, but I just came across it as I'm pretty new to this site. I'm a 27 f with JME and have been taking Depakote for 11 years with great success, no tonic clonics and only moderate myoclonic jerks. However, I'm in the process of changing over to Keppra because the side effects stink! At first I did okay with the weight gain, but lately it's been hard to keep off...I'm always having this "full" feeling in my body and I've gained about 15 pounds. I'm taking 750mg of Depakote, and can't wait to start taking less. I was wondering how your seizure control has been on the Keppra/Depakote combo? Have you maintained your weight loss? If you have any advice, let me know, thanks! Hope you are well.