User Reviews for Valproic acid to treat Epilepsy

"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."

"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. Definietly 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 felt 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."

"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 it I couldnt walk. The side effects of this drug really outway the benefits."

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

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

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