The following information is NOT intended to endorse drugs or recommend therapy. While these reviews might be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care.
I have been on Depakote for 13 years after I had 2 grand mal seizures in one year. After being placed on the Depakote delayed release I have been fine ever since, there was a time that I tried the extended release and my legs started to show some spikes so I switched back to be on the safe side which was the better call. I also use the sprinkles. As for the weight gain I never really gained more than about ten pounds but I stay active and mainly keep it off, my doctor also put me on Topamax which helps balance out the weight gain because Topamax makes you lose weight and Depakote makes you gain so they both kind of cancel each other out. Topamax also helps with seizures so it was an addition, and I have been seizure free for 13 years.
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I have been on Depakote for about two years now, and it has certainly been effective in stopping both Grand mal and Petite mal seizures. I was diagnosed with localization-related epilepsy when I was 21, but this drug is great in that it treats many types of epilepsy. Still, I did experience negative side effects, such as hair loss, a little weight gain, and drowsiness, although all of these were slight enough that they didn't really affect my life. Because Depakote isn't ideal for young women like myself, my doctor suggested I try another drug. After a brief stint on Keppra (which made me feel like I was walking in a haze - awful!), however, I switched back to Depakote, only this time adjusting was way harder - I was incredibly emotional.
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I have been on Depakote for a very long time. I have not had any seizures in over 12 years now. I am also a border line manic-depressed. I am using it for that too plus Keppra they are both helping me in my two areas. I have not had any feeling of trying to kill myself or hurt myself in any way. Like I said before I had not had any seizures in over 20 years now. I do have to say this about Depakote that it does make you gain weight. I went from 250 to over 320. My doctor switched me over to levetiracetam 500mg (generic form of Keppra), and Lamotrigine 100 mg. Since I have been on these two medications for about 4 years now I have lost about 55 pounds in almost 2 years.
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As far as control, this drug has been a God send. In way of weight gain, this drug has been a nightmare. I have gained 90 lbs in the 10 years on this drug. I have tried switching medicines, but have had two seizures doing so. I am healthy other than the weight gain. The drug has done what it is meant to do, stop seizures. I call it being Fat and Functional.
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Great medication for controlling petit mal seizures. Absolutely do not combine with alcohol. Went out drinking with friends while using Depakote and after only 2 margaritas, went home and had a grand mal seizure (first in 9 years). Otherwise, only other drawback to this medication is the price.
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My 6 year old son has been on this medicine for 3 1/2 years. He has had some side effects such as overeating. He craves corn and strawberries like you wouldn't believe. He eats can after can of corn and crates of strawberries. At least it's healthy food, he isn't overweight. He also started having symptoms of ADHD and Autism (behavior problems). Most ADHD medication does not go with Depakote. We got the seizures under control only to have other problems. Also, you should ask your doctor to do blood checks every 3 months to rule out any other complications from this medicine.
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I was on Depakote sprinkle for many years and no problem (other than having to take way more than adult ones). Now on adult Depakote I have seizures in my sleep and my blood work is normal.
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I was on Depakote for 17 years with little to no breakthrough seizures. Then I suddenly developed leukopenia and had to be removed from the drug. I have not found another medication that has been as effective as Depakote. I am presently on Carbatrol and have had breakthrough seizures monthly and after 7 years have again developed leukopenia from it.
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My 9 year old daughter has used Depakote for 2 years now for seizure disorder. I am happy with it as there are little side effects. We increased the dose when a seizure occurred. When the dose is high enough it helps with her migraines as well. She gained 5 pounds but we keep it down with a healthy diet.
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drewgaren said: 
jeckac said: 
