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Depakote ER or Topamax
Wed, 01/18/2006 - 10:14Topic: Medication Issues
Hi All,
I am new here, I was impressed with this site because it looks like there are so many responses! My other site zip for responses.
Anyway I need advise from other epileptics that is why I am here. I have had seizures for 24 yrs (grand mal)been on dilantin for about 24 yrs always controlled the GM no problem. I also have other seizures where I blank out, my neuro wanted me off dilantin b/c side effects.
So changed to lamictal and rashed, changed to Keppra (with dilantin still on board) and had the Kepp-Rage but Keppra worked well. So I changed neuros and we started Trileptal had a grand mal rushed to the hospital my dilantin level was fine so the doc thought stress. Now I am on Depakote Er have some side effects WEIGHT GAIN just had to increase the dose as it was not working.
My dose is 750 am 750 in pm I have strange feeling in my stomach, feel depressed, I feel awful.
My options are to switch to Topamax or add topamax for the weight gain.
Please help I could use some advice, personal experiences with either of these drugs!
Thank you,
Tachee
Comments
Re: Re: Depakote ER or Topamax
Submitted by fonseck on Thu, 2006-12-28 - 12:47
Tachee,
I can completely understand where you are coming from. I am actually in the process of switching meds from Depakote ER to Topamax. I am 25 years old. I had my first grand mal when I was 13 years old and every since then I was put on 750 mg of Depakote daily. Later on I was introduced to Depakote ER. I had remained seizure free. I only had problems when I forgot to take my medication where I had a grand mal seizure when I was 17 years old. But other then that I haven't had a grand mal in 8 years. My husband and I want to start a family soon, so my doctor wants to change me off Depakote ER to Topamax. Right now I am taking 50 mg in the morning and 100 mg at night of Topamax (I am no longer on Depakote ER). Every now and then, I tend to have petit mal seizures but those are so hard catch because they only last 2-3 seconds. I haven't lost any weight, I don't have the bad metal taste people tend to have, but I do have a little trouble finding words when speaking and the tingling in the feet and arms is a little annoying.
When I was on Depakote ER the side effects I did have was that my hair would shud very easily, I did eat alot but I am very petit so I don't gain weight very easily, and the depression. But what was nice was that only took one pill at night. I didn't have to remember to take one pill at night and one pill in the morning.
My doctor told me if Topomax doesn't work out for me, I will need to switch back to Depakote ER.
Re: Depakote ER or Topamax
Submitted by cjcurls on Tue, 2006-02-14 - 13:43
I LOVED Topomax when I was on it. I did loose too much weight - I was on the verge of anorexia before I knew it.
The sight of food was appealing and even the smell was still good - but the moment that I tried to swallow it I just couldn't.
Small frequent meals are KEY!
Lots of "fresh food" & cold items were super appealing to me.
(Cucumbers, watermelon, grapes, juices, etc.) I wanted NOTHING processed or heavy.
I remained seizure free for a year. I had a breakthrough seizure after a bout of major stress in my marriage. Once that was over my husband insisted that I get off Topomax due to the extreme weight loss.
I think I could have managed it better knowing what I know now.
I think that eating and drinking frequently are key.
NOTE - there are some strong side effects that are associated with Topomax. If you are prone to depression I would recommend that you have a family member monitor your moods.
Good Luck -
I know that the added weight from the other meds is sometimes just as disheartening as being on them in the first place. Do what feels right for you - not what is right for the public's ideal body image.
Christine
Re: Depakote ER or Topamax
Submitted by ccruse on Mon, 2006-02-13 - 22:17
I can tell you from personal experience that if any tried to take away my Topamax, I would fight tooth and nail. Although initially I had some adjustment problems with it, I have now been on it for 9 months and I think of it as a miracle drug. There are some nuisance things--like the tingling that it causes in your fingers and toes, but these can be combated by taking a b-complex vitamin. I have lost around 50 lbs since taking it. Initially I had some bad mood swings but those went away after a few weeks of being on it. It also makes some things such as carbonated drinks taste horrible, but things like this are minor. What I like about it is it doesn't make me feel drugged or spacey.