Also known as: Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkles
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.
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Reviews for divalproex sodium systemic to treat Migraine Prevention
dfbdar (unregistered) said:
User Rating:
8.0
Depakote (divalproex sodium): After years of migraines which continued to get worse. I was getting them almost everyday, and ending up in the ER several times Depakote has come to the rescue. I tried Neurontin, and Topamax both did nothing. It's been several weeks and no headache...what a relief this has been for me. I am praying this continues to work.
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Depakote ER (divalproex sodium): I have been taking Depakote ER for approximately 4 weeks now with good results. Prior to this medication, I was experiencing frequent dull pressure type headaches, some lasting several days, and occasional short duration sharp migraines. Since using Depakote ER, I have had no migraines and only a couple of very mild and short duration pressure headaches.
I realize it's only been a short amount of time on this medication, but the relief has been quite noticeable for me.
I have also not experienced any sudden weight gain side effects, however, just prior to starting this medication, I commenced a health eating regimen, which has actually caused me to lose several pounds, and which may be contributing to my weight situation.
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Depakote (divalproex sodium): 2-1/2 months of low-grade migraine (from old whiplash accident and cervical spine damage). Saw my neurologist (specializes in migraine) and she put me on a steroid pack. Migraine stopped within a day but then started blotching on face and chest, having allergic reaction. After stopping, got HUGE rebound headache. Went in for my 1st time of Depacon via IV, which made me loopy, nauseous, uncomfortable. This happened for 4-5 hours 2 days in a row. Migraine was pretty much gone. Then put on Depakote at night by pill. Made me feel a little loopy but OK. So first night I was restless, nutty dreams but slept. 2nd night woke up at 2 a.m. awake and cleaned house, folded clothes, etc. Not tired yet at 5 pm.
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Depakote ER (divalproex sodium): I would never recommend this medication because of the horrible weight gain side effect. I gained 70 lbs on this medicine while trying to convince my doctor to change my medicine. It didn't really help my headaches either. I finally had to change doctors to get off this. I got on Topamax and the weight just melted off. Depakote changes your metabolism where everything you eat changes to fat. I took it 18 months too long.
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Depakote (divalproex sodium): I have tried Depakote for migraines, as well as Childhood Epilepsy. My son has tried it for Bipolar disorder. It can and does make me and my son lethargic, can cause an increase in salivation, causes massive weight gain (from 105 to 155lbs). In my opinion, the possible benefits are not worth the side effects.
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Depakote (divalproex sodium): I've suffered with bad migraines as far back as I can remember and finally after 52 years they got so severe I ended up in hospital. A new doctor took my history and decided to try Depakote (500mg) for 2 weeks and then in 2 weeks double the dose. I started with the 500mg and never had to double the dose. This July 2nd 09 it will have been 2 years without any kind of headache. Not even a little one. THANKS Depakote.
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Depakote ER (divalproex sodium): I have been on Depakote ER 1000 mg/day for over 7 years now and my once 4 migraines/months have pretty much subsided to less than 4/year. That's a great improvement for me as I've had them for over 45 years. Nothing worked before, just many pain medicines tried, or shots to put me out for a couple of days and the after effects weren't so fun. I would recommend this to anyone with migraines. Ask your doctor.
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Depakote ER (divalproex sodium): I have been on Depakote ER 1000mg for 2 months and it has almost solved my migraine problem. I still get a few slight nagging headaches, which are easy to treat with ibuprofen. The side effects of stomach upset and fatigue seem to be improving. I think I notice some weight gain, maybe too early to tell. So far so good. I'm happy with this medication. My migraines were threating my ability to earn a living and many days were spent in bed. Things are looking up.
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Depakote ER (divalproex sodium): Responded well to this medicine, after failing everything, including Topamax. I had severe motion component with migraine. Could not stand, roll over or lean over without increased pain/pressure. Depakote finally worked after trying many medicines for 2 1/2 months.
just don't like the weight gain
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Depakote (divalproex sodium): Depakote was (and still is) a miracle drug for me with my migraines. I used to get one almost every day, and now it's down to just a few small ones every month!
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Depakote ER (divalproex sodium): After trying Topamax for months with no relief, I have been on Depakote ER for three months with GREAT relief! I was having migraine headaches 17 out of 31 days a month, now- maybe one a month (taking Axert when I have pain). The only problem I have had is I have gained 10 pounds in less than three months....this is horrible for me, as I could have afforded to have lost 10 pounds when starting Depakote!
My Dr. is going to have me try to mis in 25 mg. of Topamax to suppresse the appetite.
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Sappo said: 
