Valproic acid for Epilepsy User Reviews

• Tob...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 6, 2020

"After my first seizure at age 9, I was prescribed 600mg of valproic acid daily, so without comparison it’s unclear if it reduced my seizures. I had a few more in the first two years. Definitely not worth the side effects. It made me fat, socially reclusive, and depressed to the point of suicidal ideation. (A big contrast to before) I found it hard to find the energy to wake up every day. I was joyless and lethargic. Teachers noticed, so I was diagnosed with ADD and prescribed amphetamines. This led to a drug habit (I used weed to sleep after amphetamine insomnia) and a distrust in doctors. To this day I’m seen as “all over the place,” and it’s a consequence of this neuro-drug rollercoaster in my teens, starting with valproic acid. Good news: I’m seizure-free since 2012, without meds. Using mindfulness to avoid triggers worked well enough for me to grow out of it."

• Mic...
• December 28, 2022

"I have both epilepsy and bipolar disorder - genetics played a cruel trick on me as my mother had epilepsy and my father had bipolar. I was prescribed sodium valproate at the age of 16, it worked well. I was pulled off it after 8 years because research suggests that women who take it are prone to have babies with birth defects. I was put on Keppra - HORRIBLE experience. I switched back to valproate sodium and have put having kids on the back burner. For me, the medication works great in moderate doses. I can’t take it in the morning - it just makes me sleepy. But before a good night’s sleep, it does the job for the next day. I'm happier, more focused, and more driven. I also found that excessive doses ruin the experience, I was once on 1000mg, and I just couldn’t cope. With time, I got down to 200mg per night, and all is well. A little patience is required, but if it doesn’t work for you, please switch! Every brain is different."

• exc...
• May 4, 2017

"After 2 years on this pill, I'm starting to feel severe joint and muscle ache, swelling of the arm and legs... the swelling was so severe that I couldn't walk. The side effects of this drug really outweigh the benefits."

• Tro...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 26, 2016

"I was diagnosed with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy when I was 16. For nearly two years now, I have been on Valparin. Although I haven't had a seizure for that duration at all, I must say there were some unpleasant side effects. Firstly, it made me lose my focus very easily. I was getting distracted at the slightest provocation. It also made me unable to cry, you know, to let it all out just wasn't possible. And then there were also some bouts of depression that made me wonder if I am on the right drug. My final opinion is that you should take this med for a longer duration only if you can cope with the side effects. Talk to your doctor if you feel uncomfortable with this drug."

• Dep...
• March 24, 2023

"Definitely helped me with my epilepsy. Didn’t feel many side effects, but I have taken it for many years. I think I feel some changes in my memory and in motivation. Taking the Depakote ER really helped me to take it at the right time."

• Pam...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 23, 2022

Valproic acid "2 x 500 mg daily prescribed following brain surgery to prevent seizures. Caused incontinence and extreme symptoms of vascular dementia. Fortunately, I survived to warn others."

• Jac...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 1, 2024

Valproic acid "Has kept me seizure-free for 30 years, 500 mg twice daily. Slight concerns about the long-term effects on my liver."

• Joe...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 7, 2021

"Valproic acid is a horrible medicine. Try to avoid it. I lost 5 years of my life to memory loss before switching to Vimpat (not 100%, but definitely better)."