Aggression with Depakote?

I was on Depakote more than 25 years ago.  There was a time when I got seizure control while taking Depakote with Dilantin.  It worked for a few weeks and then I started to seize again.  Increased and got control for a few weeks and then seizures....   The pattern went on until I was eventually on 3750 mg Depakote along with 400 mg Dilantin and I was referred to epilepsy specialist to be considered for surgery.  From there it is a long story.  But my point is that I was on a pretty high dose of Depakote and I did become more irritable with higher doses.  But being on Dilantin has also had the same effect so it was hard to tell if the Depakote or Dilantin had a more profound effect.  I think Depakote left me more lethargic.Previous to that my mother tells me of other anti-seizure pills I was on as a child which always changed my mood leaving me more irritable and aggressive.  I have also tried some of the newer meds several of which have had the same effect.  The anger and aggression were always problematic.  What has been at least as disturbing has been facing doctors who denied any association between the drugs, epilepsy, and mood.  Their responses always left my parents and me feeling guilt and shame for not trying hard enough so I feel sorry for you. I did find that epilepsy specialists seem more ready to acknowledge the relationship of mood, medicine, and epilepsy.  I would encourage you to get a second opinion preferably with an epilepsy specialist.  While you're on the journey keep track of all the seizures, medications, and side effects.  Doctors rely upon the caregiver and patient for judgments of what works best and most comfortably.  Mike

Hi, Thank you for posting. As Michael shared in his comment, treatment and how the body may react to certain medications varies for each individual. The goal of treatment with medicines should be –No Seizures and No Side Effects.However, we know that some individuals may experience too many side effects,that are very bothersome or cause other health problems. To learn more about medications she takes, please visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/seizure-and-epilepsy-medicines/side-effectsPrior to making in changes to her treatment plan it’s important you’re continuing to follow-up with her healthcare team, to determine what’s best for her and if she experiences any changes side effects, symptoms, seizure types/ frequency and behaviors. If you feel you cannot talk openly with her healthcare team, or that you aren’t working towards the same goals, it may be time to get a second opinion. For information regarding second opinions, or assistance finding an epileptologist (epilepsy specialist) near you, please visit:https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/diagnosis/you-and-your-healthcare-team/second-opinions https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/find-epilepsy-specialistIt’s common for those who are in caregiver role to feel overwhelmed. It’s important to remember that you are not alone, and it is justas important to make sure you’re taking care of yourself as well.https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/parents-and-caregivers  It can be helpful to connect with other parents who may have similar experiences, to ask questions, find &give support to each other, by visiting:  https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/parents-and-caregivers/parents-helping-parents  Or contact our 24/7 Helpline, where trained information specialists are available to answer your questions, offer help,hope, support, guidance, and access to national and local resources. 1-800-332-1000, contactus@efa.org. epilepsy.com/helpline