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.
Switching from Depakote to Topamax
Thu, 12/21/2006 - 23:09I am 24 years old and have been on Depakote since I was 15. My doctor wants to switch me from 1000 mg of Depakote per day to 50 mg of Topamax per day. I have had problems with weight gain and can't seem to keep weight off of me. I'm just a little nervous about switching from these two meds because last time the doctor tried to switch my meds (back in '98) I had a seizure. I was just wondering if anyone has had any problems switching between these two medications, or if anyone has experienced any seizures when switching. Thanks!
Re: Switching from Depakote to Topamax
Submitted by Christina41586 on Tue, 2006-12-26 - 20:04
I was started on Topamax, titrated up to higher and higher levels. It worked...but I felt kind of sick. When I started vomiting I assumed it was due to stress, so I didn't think much of it. Then dehydrated one night, I ended up in the ER, where I had more seizures, and was admitted. There they put me on IV Depakote, and then sent me home on it for a week (in addition to the Topamax). Within a few weeks I was so sick again that we called a quits on the Topamax. So now I'm on lamictal. I know that switching from on to the other (Topamax to Lamictal) I've seen an increase in activity, but it's mostly due to the fact that I had to stop taking as much Topamax...so the lowered dose didn't do jack to stop the seizures. From Topamax to Depakote I actually saw a marked decrease in activity, but as I said, I was really pumped full of it. They wanted to get me to the full blood level in about fourty-eight hours. Nice right? I'd guess that as long as your blood levels of Depakote stay relatively high as you titrate up on the Topamax, that you should be fine. I found Depakote more usefull, but since it can cause ovarian cytsts (which I have a history of) my neuro is using it as a last resort.