DISCLAIMER: iGuard is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. iGuard cannot and does not take into consideration every possible interaction or account for individual responses to medicine. Different individuals may respond to medication in different ways. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have before making any changes to your treatment. The use of the iGuard site and its content is at your own risk. The iGuard site and the information contained in it is intended for users in the United States and information in other countries may be different.
Global Patient Feedback for Depakote ER (Divalproex Sodium) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
i take depakote 500mg.2tablets at night i get sleep,i gained wieght, and i get the shakes, and i has made my sex life alittle different. i have been taking them since 1981 they have stoped my siezures.Unless i get real upset then i will have a siezure. but thats the only thing that they have put me on that does work. I am 45 yrs. old female
46 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-30 16:46:57
Answer/Reply:
Be careful with the depakote it is the only thing that controls my seziures but my liver is now really suffering. I have tried many other drugs and had seizures on all my liver would improve.Currently on depakote but they are trying to find a drug i can go on so my liver will be ok.I gained weight really hard to lose,hair loss and shakes.500mg once in am once in pm 44 yr old female that really relates to the 45 yr old female
45 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-12 16:29:34
Answer/Reply:
i have been taking depakote for about1.5 years in different strenghts, but up to know the two stronger strength have really changed my numbers as far as other health problems that i have for the worst. i am always forgetting things, not being able to remember to take my medication properly is notgood in my case, my life depends on it. i asked the doctor before he wrote the prescription if it would have an affect with the other med's i take and his response was no, so now i have a problem with my glucose spiking, frequent urination, deep depression,and my life has been set back about 5 years in just 1.5 years. please make sure that your doctors know their stuff as far as your medications it's your life they have in their hands.
38 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-29 05:21:38
Question/Comment:
My son was taking Keppra for about two years and when the Medicade would not pay for his kEPPRA any longer his doctor switch him to valproic Acid.He stoped taking his Keppra on Thursday night and started taking Valproic Acid on Friday and was found dead Sunday morning After returning from the hospital .Is thier a connection between the two that could have caused his death
84 year old Male
Posted: 2009-06-16 12:22:57
Question/Comment:
I take Depakote ER 500 mg x3 daily they interrupt the seizures I was diagnosed with that happens before a severe migraine attack, is there an alternative? I feel so sedated with them? My neuro is a gem, we have been working on controlling the migraines, for many years now. As they are definately genetic in my case(both maternal and paternal), I am one of the few that controlling the pain, is the only option.
55 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-09 05:08:38
Question/Comment:
Is there a possibility that my Depakote ER(500 mg tablets) dosage is too high(I take 3500mgs. per day) and causing nervous shaking in my arms and legs. My Physician also has me on 200mgs. of Lamictal per day to control the shaking but this also hasn't helped. I discussed this with him and he decreases my Depakote dosage and increases my Lamictal dosage. I am afraid if my Depakote dosage gets lowered too much, I will have seizures. This has also had an affect on my sexual activities.
50 year old Male
Posted: 2009-05-21 11:48:39
Answer/Reply:
I just wanted to let you iknow that I had 3 severe reactions to lamictel it is no good for you you need to get off that stuff as soon as possible it didme no good at all! That causes your nervousness your doctor donesnt want you to know that tho, but thank-god I found out soon enough. I pray you get off it soon! it no good for you! and your depakote level is way to high, I am only at 500 mgs, between your other stuff it is way too much! seek out another opion from another docter please. Thank-you sandee!
48 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-28 00:10:10
Answer/Reply:
My 37 year old husband is on Depakote 1500mg at night. He noticed the shaking if he forgets to take it on time. No one has suggested Lamictal for it, though. Thanks for sharing that. As far as affecting his love life? It's never been better! When he was on Seroquel and Zoloft, we barely did anything in a month or so. It didn't ruin our honeymoon, because he took himself off of it for a few days so he could "finish". Less than 30 times in two years was awful...
Are you on Depakote for siezures? If not, why could you get one if decreasing it too fast? My husband's on it for Bipolar, and shaking is the only side effect so far. Is there anything else you can share about this medication?
51 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-30 21:17:56
Answer/Reply:
I was in a similiar situation. I took depakote and tegretol, but one would lower the blood levels of the other, causing the doctor to raise the dosage of the one which had dropped. The next time, the other medicine would be raised because the levels had dropped due to the other medicine. I went on a search for a new doctor who was up to date. I found that everyone had a different description of my condition, a different cause, and a different solution. Not one was in agreement with the other. Finally, I found a doctor who had investigated new medicines, and now I am off the merry go round. If your doctor has to keep raising your dosage, I would talk to him. After a certain amount of time, your body begins to age, and reacts differently to your meds. It may be time to consider a new course of action.
47 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-02 14:18:22
Answer/Reply:
What are the new meds your doctor put you on? Female, age 64...Depakote...
65 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-12 07:19:53
Answer/Reply:
I had been on 3500 mg of depakote/ day only to find out I was toxic. I had blood work done regularly until I found out there are two tests. A free level and a total level . You need to have both done and many physicians are still not doing it. We are being poisoned by the very medication that is supposed to be taking care of us. I had perfect, or so i thought levels for years. Today I am on 1000 mg ER . I hope this helps.
43 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-28 21:34:54
Answer/Reply:
Get a new doctor! 3500 mgs.....too much depakote is alone in itself the cause of your shakes. Let no doctor kill u!
18 year old Male
Posted: 2009-07-24 23:06:55
Question/Comment:
I recently stopped taking Depakote ER because I ran out of refills. Since then, I have been feeling tired and confused during the day even though I usually sleep 9-10 hours each night. Is there anything that may help to control my daytime tiredness/confusion?
26 year old Male
Posted: 2009-04-17 10:11:48
Answer/Reply:
I have the same problem when I haven't taken my Depakote. The only real way to feel better would be to get more medicine OR wait it out until the medicine is out of your system...which will take time. I'd ask a doctor for a better answer though.
23 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-17 17:54:54
Answer/Reply:
Depakote is prescribed for seizures or bi-polar disorder...... so why on earth are you not getting it refilled? Go to your doctor or end up in hospital or jail ...... what is the realistic choice here!!!!
53 year old Male
Posted: 2009-04-26 23:29:55
Answer/Reply:
Exactly. . . NEVER go off your meds without your doctors permission.
74 year old Male
Posted: 2009-05-01 13:59:05
Answer/Reply:
if you quit because of lack of funds or lost your insurance such as myself,it is very difficult to get it.most programs to help the mentally challenged have been cut,so any suggestions on what to do at that point?
45 year old Male
Posted: 2009-05-15 15:58:23
Answer/Reply:
Yes! This is a very expensive drug and when it comes to my seizure medication, or ANY medication that's for a serious illness, I won't risk taking generic drugs. So don't let your doctor
or anyone else talk you into that. My neurologist won't let me take generics for my seizure disorder. I take 500mg of DEPAKOTE ER 3x a day + 300mg of DILANTIN also. If you go to the ABBOT website, you should be able to download a Patient Assistance Program Form to fill out showing your income, etc. I fill one out twice a year and my doctor fills out the rest and sends it
to them for me. They mail a 3-month supply to his office and I pick them up for free. I live on my
Social Security Disability, and there's NO WAY I can afford these obscene prices! Don't Stop.
51 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-26 04:08:17
Answer/Reply:
Never heard of abbot thanks for the info im on depakot 500mg 2x daily im on s.s and medical but that will probably change soon
45 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-12 16:36:54
Answer/Reply:
It is now the beginning of the new fiscal year and all ers and clinics have ample amount of funds right now is the time to go to them and utilize them. Me being bi polar as all get out makes it where I do not have the patients to stand in a line. So my suggestion is for u to go to most any of your surrounding clinics and apply for their free or mostly free presciption programs. Also Wal Mart and Walgreens along with several other pharmecies have $4.00 generic scrips. Depakotes is Divalproex which I take 500mg 3 x's a day so I understand the cost. I hope that helps!
30 year old Male
Posted: 2009-07-14 17:34:00
Answer/Reply:
never stop taking your meds
50 year old Male
Posted: 2009-04-28 14:35:32
Answer/Reply:
Ive been taking Depakote ER 3 yrs now was changed generic doesnt work the same. im on 500mg seems like depresion got worst plus im Bi-Polor
65 year old Male
Posted: 2009-04-29 15:40:42
Answer/Reply:
Best to return to NORMAL script for Depakote. Running out seems casual but isn't.
64 year old Male
Posted: 2009-05-27 19:53:03
Question/Comment:
I have an eight year old that has been put on Depakote - 375mg am and 375mg pm. She has a decreased desire to eat but a high weight gain. She has gone from size 7 to size 10 in about 2 1/2 months and is quickly getting too large for those. I was wondering if anyone has had similar effects and will this stop or should we talk to her Nuro about changing her meds?
8 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-11 14:54:32
Question/Comment:
I was put on Depakote for my bi-polar disorder and haven't noticed any side effects. My dociot increased the dosage to 1500 mgs. at night to help me sleep also. I take another psychiactric drug at breakfast and the Depakote has not effected any thing except to help level my problems out to a point that I'm able to enjoy my son a lot more now. Ask your doctor about taking Depakote at night and see if that makes a difference.
45 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-18 01:15:04
Answer/Reply:
Depakote made my husband gain lots of weight and much digestive problems. He discussed this with his doctor and she dismissed it.
Husband joined weightwatchers and we both started eating lots of whole grains with fiber and many fruits and vegetables. I also bought a wonderful juicer and we both drink a big glass of juiced carrots,celery,apple and orange or grapefruit with a slice of lime or lemon everyday. We both feel GREAT!! He lost 120 pounds in 15 months. He has kept the weight OFF for 18 months!!! He and I have tons of energy and are now active and digestive problems are OVER!!! Husband stopped taking Depakote against doctors advice over a year ago.
I guess his doctor did not really like this method but who cares, because husband does not need her anymore!!!
60 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-16 21:57:17
Answer/Reply:
How is your husband w/out medicine? are his medical problems gone now that he stopped them? I have been on depakote almost my whole life.Now 44 im shakey not balanced and gaining weight rapidly.My liver is suffering from the depakote and i researched that you can gain weight from liver disorders too.
45 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-12 16:56:44
Answer/Reply:
I have been on Depakote for over 10 years now. I am Bi-Polar #2 -Slow Cycling . I am also very depressed as circumstances in my life always become worse, not better. I did notice about 20 pounds weight gain the first year or two I started on it, but now I stay at the same weight. I take 1000 mg at night about 2 hours before I retire and it does make me a little bit tired. I have never noticed any of the side effects associated with Depakote, but my doctor does make me have blood drawn every 6 months to check for levels in the liver. I don't want to be on it for the rest of my life, but I know that when it is time to cease using it, that it will have to be under the dotors supervision, not cold turkey. If I miss my meds for two days I get a pounding headache that does not allow me to funtion normally.
54 year old Male
Posted: 2009-05-18 21:52:02
Question/Comment:
I have been on Depakote ER since 2001. I take 500mg in the morning, then 500mg at night, before bed. I have had epilepsy since 1980, when I was diagnosed with it. I was put on Depakene 250mg, 3x a day. It helped for along time. Then in 1990, I was put on Klonopin and Propanorol, for my tremors. I have Primary, Generalized, Tonic-Clonic, Seizures. I have Grand Mal, and Petite Mal. My tremors got worse, so then they put me on Inderal LA in 2002. It worked great, but started to give me petite mal seizures. I did gain alot of weight with Depakote ER, along with being very tired. I don't like that. All the EEG"s I have taken lately, come back normal. I didn't know it came in a generic form. I have no insurance, so I get it at the county pharmacy. Otherwise it's TO expensive!! One more thing, my levels are in the peak range, so that is great.
48 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-10 16:01:38
Answer/Reply:
you should try this company rx aid -877-610-9060 i get my depakote for 12 dollars amonth its a company that goes off your income..
43 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-26 17:39:06
Question/Comment:
I have been on effexor xr for 2 yrs, for migraines and axiety. I am 48 yrs old and in menapause.
I gained 50 lbs within 4yrs and have low sexual desire. Will making a change to depakote make it worth my while changes? really could use some answers! thanks.
49 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-07 23:44:12
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Depakote since it was first marketed for a seizure disorder that was quite out of control. My neurologist replaced phenobarbital with the Depakote and I felt so much more alive and with it! I am on it to this day, have never had any side effects, never gained weight because of the medication, and it along with another med. brought my seizures under control. My only complaint was the cost of the Depakote, during the time it was not generic!
66 yr. old female
67 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-03 18:42:20
Question/Comment:
I had a baby which caused an illness called pupural phycosis which is a mental illness, i was already an epileptic and i was put on depakote, its made me put a lot of weight on and its very hard to loose, i get dizziness and sickness sometimes
27 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-24 13:51:30
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I had my first seizure 32 years ago, when I had my first baby. They say it was right after I gave birth to her. I tried all the other medicines that are approved out there. But nothing has worked for me. I take Depakote now, and now I'm ok, I gained sixty pounds since being on it. But that's alright as long as the medcine works..
Posted: 2009-01-25 01:33:07
Question/Comment:
Does this medication make you gain weight? I am a 28 year old female I have been taking Depakote for about 1 month and have experienced weight gain is that normal!!!
29 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-08 15:14:08
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
The iGuard medication profile for Divalproex Sodium shows that 10% of iGuard patients experienced weight gain as a side effect of this medication.
Posted: 2009-01-13 12:03:01
Answer/Reply:
Yes i have been taking depakote for a year and a half now and i have put on 2 stone
27 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-24 13:28:20
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I had gained almost 100 lbs while on Depakote..I was on it for a little over 1 yr..I am still trying to get it off..Good luck..
Posted: 2009-01-15 08:15:36
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
It can be. My daughter takes it. You just have to be careful about eating the right foods and try to be responsible in that way.
Posted: 2009-01-20 13:23:53
Answer/Reply:
yes i have taken depekote er for 4 years now and ive put on about 30 pounds
23 year old Male
Posted: 2009-01-22 01:24:08
Answer/Reply:
I have been on it for a year and a half now and i have gained 2 stone
27 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-24 13:54:48
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
What is 2 stone ???
Posted: 2009-03-05 18:18:27
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I have too. I cant fit in my blue jeans anymore. I've been trying to find the answer to why because I have gained weight since I have been on it as well. I don't know if that is normal but I've been wondering the same thing.
Posted: 2009-01-24 21:53:55
Question/Comment:
65 year old, currently taking levo thyroxine , have had several falls due
to light-headdness, any other users of this medication having similar
problems?, or what are your side effects?.
66 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-07 03:02:28
Question/Comment:
I am a 55 year old male. My infrequent seizures (perhaps four a year) began 10 years ago. I used to take Dilantin, then I switched to Tegratol. Neither one worked. Then I had another grand mal sezure and smashed my head on a piece of slate in my home. I was put in a medically induced coma for a week. I changed neurologists and my new one put me on 500 mg of Keppra and 250 mg of Depakote, each three times a day. Now that is really working! I am off the Dilantin and Tegratol,of course. My hair is not thining much. Good luck,everyone!
56 year old Male
Posted: 2008-12-29 11:27:33
Question/Comment:
I've been taking Depakote for my bipolar disorder for 3 months now. I've had Hepatitus C for 8 years. Isn't this medication bad for my liver, and if so, what other drugs could I take instead? I'm also on Bupoprian. 45 yr. old female
46 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-27 01:13:58
Answer/Reply:
Depakote is really bad for your liver,it is the only medications that controls my seziures but now i have liver problems my regular md and neuro agree its the depakote and i need to find another med make sure your drs communicate with eachother----Every ttime i went to one dr i get a copy of all the work and take it to my other dr. good luck!!
45 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-12 17:07:22
Question/Comment:
I was taking Depakote ER and was recently switched to just the Depakote because of extremely numerous bowel movements per day. The Dr. said the ER version can afffect the lower intestines more than just the Depakote. I hope this works better. Otherwise, I am still pleased with being able to rest better a night with 3 a day (all at night). I am bi polar.
61 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-17 20:13:35
Question/Comment:
I am a thirty four year old male and I just recenlty startedtaking depakote. I started the depakote for adhd. I am a recovering drug and alcohol abuser. I can say the medicaton has helped me just a little concerned about the dizziness that I am feeling and zoning out.This is now becoming a daily basis. any comments?
35 year old Male
Posted: 2008-11-26 20:23:41
Answer/Reply:
Hello I am a 38 year old female, recovering alcoholic and addict for 17 years. I began taking Depakote in 2003. In the beginning I was given to much to start with and couldn't drive. The doctor adjusted the dose and then I was ok. Now I take Depakote ER at night. It truly helps me sleep. I take a good bit more now than what I first started taking. Three thoughts. One: Most medications have an adjustment period. So allow however many days the doc says to adjust. Two: If it feels to weird to you no matter how many days call your doc. I get so frustrated with people who won't call their doc. That's what they are there for. You aren't the doc they are! Three: My sponsor in the program long ago told me if I am taking a medication because I NEED IT, it is ok. If you have a period of feeling uncomfortable check in with your sponsor, or another program friend that relates, each day until you feel comfortable taking meds. Thanks!
39 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-24 13:11:26
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
its just my opinion but i took depakote for bipolar and it made me emotion less i could function thru the day but i could care less about anyone around me.
Posted: 2009-01-06 10:05:34
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Depakote ER for about 2 wks. I take it at night because it helps me sleep better and I may be able to get off of sleeping pills, which have not worked for me very well. I am bi polar and sleeping in a big problem. I have been satisfied so far. The Dr. said I had to have blook work done to make sure it was not affecting my liver function. I take the 500 mg tablet and will be increased to 3 a day soon. It's helped me so far.
61 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-20 07:14:43
Question/Comment:
I was placed on Depaokote 500mgs 3 X a day. Sine then I have notice hair loss & thinning, anybody else notice this problem? I am a 39 y.o. male who is taking Depakote for Bi-Polar Disease
Signed..
Curious in Idaho
39 year old Male
Posted: 2008-11-19 06:07:16
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Hi,,,,I am a 49 year old female also taking Depakote for Bipolar........I did notice alot of hair loss when I washed my hair or brushed it.......But it has stopped........I am not sure if this is the reason,, but at first I was taking 750 mg 3x a day and that was making me too tired to make it through the day thinking clearly.....my doctor than gave me the same dosage in the extended release form.....I take this at night so I am not sleeply during the day and have not had the hair loss.......I forgot it had ever happened until I read your comment......I am no doctor but maybe your body just has to adjust to it......and the ER formula is much better if you are drowsy during the day......All the best to you
Posted: 2008-11-20 15:11:10
Answer/Reply:
Hi. I have taken Depakote since 2003. In the early days maybe even for a couple of years I noticed hair thinning in a couple of places on my scalp. It didn't get so bad that anyone but me and my hair dresser commented though. Then it went away. I have no issues with it today. Thanks!
39 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-24 13:05:29
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
One of the side effects of Depakote is actually hair loss, so yes - Depakote can cause hair loss or thinning in some people. I checked with Micromedex (a reliable drug information source), and it says the incidence is 6% with low to normal dosing and as high as 24% with very high doses. It did not say what was considered a "low" dose or a "high" dose. For what its worth, I'm in my last year of pharmacy school and I do not take this medication.
Posted: 2008-12-24 22:06:12
Question/Comment:
hi i started depakote when i was 11 yrs.old and got off of it when i was 19years old. i was wondering if anyone here knows if depakote can cause Polycystic Ovary Disease(PCOS)? Which I Was Diagnosed with PCOS In 2006 and just put on Metformin 500mg once a day for the help with the symptoms of PCOS and to help with inferititly. But Any information anyone has would be a big help to me thanks in advance.
24 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-17 18:47:27
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
want some dick?
Posted: 2008-11-20 11:41:11
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Yes. I believe have have read that as a side effect for women. My daughter currently takes depakote and we are concerned for these side effects as well as others. You might want to let your OB-GYN know.
Concerned Mom
Posted: 2008-11-21 10:40:00
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I have PCOS and have not had any additional problems since being put on Depakote (about a year ago). I doubt there is a connection, but you might want to ask your doctor.
Posted: 2008-12-17 09:00:21
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
That is an interesting question, if you find any more information, can you e-mail it to me? I was diagnosed with PCOS at 16, about 10 years ago, and regularly have to take hormones to keep the cysts from forming (if i dont, its a trip to the emergency room with surgery to remove the grapefruit sized thing.) But, now I'm curious if Depakote could be causing me more harm.
Does anyone know whether Depakote can be mixed with "klonopin" (a benzo),, its generic name is "Clonezepam" ... ? And how long Depakote remains in the system?
Posted: 2008-12-21 13:42:26
Question/Comment:
I'm a seventeen year old female and I was put on the drug Depakote for about 5 months. Afterward I refused to continue the treatment due to the bizzare side effects. The drug would make me very dizzy and gave me the feeling of being out of it and graugy all the time. The real turning point was when the sun was setting and I was going on a walk and the sun was at the point where it left an orange haze. Somehow my mind related it to fire and I panicked and stop dropped and rolled. In the midst of my rolling I realized I wasn't on fire, nor was the surrounding grass around me. I felt like an idiot but was still really frightened. I was on a once a day dosage and didn't bother taking it ever again. I was taking the drug in the first place to control my optic migraines and small seizures. I much rather face the pain then lose my self.
18 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-11 10:54:48
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
go die
Posted: 2008-11-20 11:40:32
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
HI I HAVE QUESTION? DO YOU SOMETIMES FEEL LIKE HURTING YOURSELF. BECAUSE MY BROTHER IN LAW WAS ON DEPAKOTE AND HE KILLED HIMSELF ON MAY 14 2008. I GUESS MY QUESTION IS DOSE ANYONE ELSE FEEL LIKE THIS WHEN YOU TAKE THIS DRUG?
Posted: 2008-11-29 10:41:56
Question/Comment:
i posted a comment on 10-25-08, about my 4 year old son just being put on depakote. he took it for 6 days and it was 6 days of hell. it was supposed to help stabilize his behavior and help calm his anger and aggression. instead it made it 3 times worse. he was screaming at the top of his lungs for no reason, crying uncontrollably for no apparant reason, beating up his 14 year old brother, this is no joke, that is how bad the anger and aggression got. he was acting out in class (and before depakote he was very shy at school), he was putting other 4 and 5 year olds in headlocks and throwing them to the ground and beating them up on the playground, "just because he felt like it'. i was starting to get really concerned and on the 6th day when i go ta note from school explaining how bad his behavior was there, i immediately called the neurologist and stopped the depakote. he was on 125mg twice a day along with 100mg of keppra twice a day, i dont know if this was a combo of he drugs or the depakote itself, but my son will not be taking depakote anymore, no matter who suggests it. this drug also has very many serious side effects, please get a 2nd opinion and research this drug before taking it or allowing your child to take it.
"missy and brysen"
5 year old Male
Posted: 2008-10-30 08:02:52
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
My 9 yr old is experiencing the same side effects. He is taking 250 mg of Depakote in the morining and 250 mg before bed. He has been on this med for 1 month. His aggression is out of control. I recieve phone calls from his school principal daily, to please pick him up and take him home. His "Dr.", recommends hospitalization. Today we stop the depakote! It is not working for my son. Tired Mom.
Posted: 2008-11-22 14:59:18
Answer/Reply:
My son has been on a cocktail of Depakote Er and topamax since he was four. It has worked great, actually everytime they try to reduce it he goes into seizures. He has cerebal palsy and epilepy and cortical malformation. We tried putting him on Keppra and after three days I called the doctor crying and begging her to help. It turned him into a total demon. The school called everyday he was on it. He was acting on his impulses and saying stuff that would never come come out his mouth. When he was taken off Keppra I had my sweet guy back.
His side effects for Depakote and Topamax are small. Matter of fact he has the opposite of the regular side effects. We have been lucky.
10 year old Male
Posted: 2008-12-23 10:31:48
Question/Comment:
Hello to all that can help me. I am wondering I have a 5 year old son that is taking lamotrigine 25 mg 6 pills 2x a day and the dr is wanting to take him off these and put him on depakote and I am concerned about his health in the future. I am wondering will it hurt him in the long run is what I guess I am trying to say.. I am worried. email me if you want at farmer76462@yahoo.com and put in the subject Depkote please. Thank you and let me know what you think..
Chasity and Christopher
6 year old Male
Posted: 2008-10-27 10:36:24
Question/Comment:
my 4 year old son was diagnosed as having tonic clonic/petite mal seizures at 2yrs and 6months. he was put on 100mg of keppra twice a day and it has done wonders, no seizures at all. his neurologist has now put him on 125mg of the depakota sprinkle capsule twice a day to help control his behavior and mood because he is very rambuctious and hyper and he says the keppra makes it worse but the depakote will help calm him down. he takes both meds twice a day at 4 years old. i have been reading side effects of depakote and am very worried and also worried about the combo of the two drugs together. i carry a cancer gene called muir-torre syndrome, which makes you more prone to internal cancers and skin cancers. can that have more of an affect on my sons liver if he also carries the muir-torre syndrome? and can it really make a man sterile? i need some info and advice to help my son. his neurologist is foreign and you cant make him understand your concerns and hes the only one around who accepts our secondary ins, so changing drs is not an option. any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. thank you. "missy and brysen"
5 year old Male
Posted: 2008-10-25 13:39:51
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
hi i take the sma med to and i wory to it makes me eat alot and sleepy idont no how long they will keep me on it but dont wory it helps con trool the anger dont wory so much long az he takes it at the sam time it helps me alot from rima neely
Posted: 2008-10-28 00:03:36
Answer/Reply:
I don't know about the cancer stuff,,,but do make sure the docs check his depokote level every six months,,,,my 18 yr old mentally challenged son takes depokote at night for his mood swings,,,it has helped tremendously.but the doc told me they do the depokote levels to check his liver apparently it can damge the liver
44 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-01 04:02:26
Answer/Reply:
thanks for your reply, i posted another comment 5days after this one about what all the depakote done to my son in such a short period of time, here is a copy : i posted a comment on 10-25-08, about my 4 year old son just being put on depakote. he took it for 6 days and it was 6 days of hell. it was supposed to help stabilize his behavior and help calm his anger and aggression. instead it made it 3 times worse. he was screaming at the top of his lungs for no reason, crying uncontrollably for no apparant reason, beating up his 14 year old brother, this is no joke, that is how bad the anger and aggression got. he was acting out in class (and before depakote he was very shy at school), he was putting other 4 and 5 year olds in headlocks and throwing them to the ground and beating them up on the playground, "just because he felt like it'. i was starting to get really concerned and on the 6th day when i go ta note from school explaining how bad his behavior was there, i immediately called the neurologist and stopped the depakote. he was on 125mg twice a day along with 100mg of keppra twice a day, i dont know if this was a combo of he drugs or the depakote itself, but my son will not be taking depakote anymore, no matter who suggests it. this drug also has very many serious side effects, please get a 2nd opinion and research this drug before taking it or allowing your child to take it.
the neurologist told me "quote" "he wasnt thinking when he put him on the depakote and that he should have raised his amount of keppra and that is why it affected him so badly", what if this had of been a fatal mistake? we pay our drs. to think when we go to them or take our children to them, this is a very serious medication with serious side effects...you have to THINK before you prescribe it to a 4 yr old or anybody. You can believe i am looking for a new neurologist, whether the secondary ins covers it or not, my sons health and life are more important to me. thanks for listening.
5 year old Male
Posted: 2008-12-01 00:21:00
Question/Comment:
i was on depakote from 5 years of age to 3 years ago,for epilespy 500mg 3xs a day was told it could make me sterile?
39 year old Male
Posted: 2008-10-06 12:23:52
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