Depakote for Epilepsy User Reviews

• Phi...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 13, 2019

"I have been taking 1 Depakote 500mg ER brand tablet daily for 28 years (I am 40). Used to treat Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy. This medication has been a tremendous blessing for me as it has controlled my seizures for the last 26 years. I’ve had no side effects but I will mention that I was very active as a child playing sports and continued to spend many hours a week lifting and exercising all through HS and college. I continue to exercise at least 3 days a week. I mention my exercise habits for a reason. I have noticed that during the times when we had our children and I wasn’t getting good sleep and not able to exercise as much, I began to notice some possible side effects related to the medication (slight tremors, lethargy, difficulty remembering names). When I started back exercising, all the side effects went away. I am a practicing pharmacist and married with 2 healthy children. I realize that my story may be somewhat unique, but I decided to share to give another long-term patient experience."

• Bui...
• August 26, 2014

"Started with Depakote upon being diagnosed with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy in my teens. I took it for years without issue. I decided to switch to Keppra XR because of potential liver issues with Depakote and the somewhat tiresome redundancy of lab work related to Depakote use. Keppra XR did not work for me as my memory began growing progressively worse, and I could not think clearly. I also began losing my train of thought mid-sentence fairly often. Switched back to Depakote ER and am feeling much better mentally. The quarterly lab work is not a big deal when compared to being in a mind fog for over a year. That's my experience, hope everyone finds what's right for them. P.S. I do not take generics, noticeably more side effects."

• J A...
• July 24, 2017

"I used to have a wonderful, smart son. About 12 years ago, I noticed changes starting to take effect in his life. He was becoming agitated, he was losing his memory, he had no energy. I was told this was due to his having so many seizures. I just this week, after having a really bad week a few weeks ago, the doctor decided to take him off of this medication in a hospital-controlled setting. After one day of not taking this medication, I am starting to see the personality of my son come back. He had gotten to the point that he made terrible decisions, he was depressed often, he was confused and was losing his memory and his ability to talk and remember words. I'm sorry, but the benefits of controlling seizures were not worth this."

• Her...
• July 14, 2017

"Have taken this med for 28+ years with no seizures during this time. I have experienced no side effects except that my hair has become very curly. Lots of compliments! No downside. I am seizure-free. No other med has worked for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 28, 2016

"This medicine took 3 weeks to fully kick in. I had the side effect of increased appetite, but I haven't gained any weight because I eat a low-carb diet and work out 4 times a week. I do not have any side effects anymore, and this mostly controls my temporal lobe epilepsy."

• Nic...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 30, 2015

"Before I came to the US, I was taking other medications for epilepsy, but upon dealing with a US doctor, he recommended 2000 mg of Depakote daily. I immediately went to the library and checked the side effects, which were considerable. I asked the doctor if I could take a smaller dose, but he didn't think it wise. I decided to take matters into my own hands and reduce my dosage. I have been taking 250 mg now for 35 years with no seizures. Early on, I found that when I took long flights to Asia and missed sleep and became dehydrated, I would increase my dosage, and then when I came back home, I would slowly lower it again. I don't believe I am suffering from any side effects of this drug."

• Wil...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 4, 2016

"I currently take Zonegran-I love love love it!-Prior to this, I took Depakote-for me, this drug sucked-I was lethargic, my hair fell out in clumps. I went from weighing 225 lbs to 389 lbs, and I developed sleep apnea. I was taking 500 mg of Depakote four times per day-2000 mg of this stuff. I had several seizures in my sleep, one where I fractured my ankle on the bed frame. The weight was the worst, I could not control it. I wish I could submit a picture of myself while being on this stuff. After I got off this drug, I lost 160 lbs. My dad saw the before pic and didn't know who I was. Maybe this works for some, but not for me. I would never take this again!"

• lin...
• March 14, 2014

"Taking Depakote for grand mal seizures since I was 12. I'm 28, it has always worked unless I don't take it. It thinned out my hair, made me gain 15 lbs, and makes me really tired. I take 1000 mg a day. It is very toxic for your liver, you really should not drink on it! Working out helps with battling the tiredness. Hoping to switch to Lamictal again. I hate the side effects, but it works great for grand mal seizures!"

• TLN...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 10, 2020

"This drug, Depakote, gave me side effects: I gained 50 lbs, hair fell out, and tremors. Was put on it for migraines initially, but after 2 years, migraines turned into seizures. I question if the drug didn't cause my seizures."

• Hap...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 4, 2015

"I'm 24 years old, and I've been epileptic for about 12 years. I've seen my fair share of doctors, and I was either too medicated or ignored, so remember, the doctor isn't always right. I recently found my current doctor about 3 years ago, and she has gone above and beyond for me. I am currently seizure-free and can drive. I currently take 1000 mg Depakote ER a day, 200 mg of Topamax a day to balance out the weight gain. I do have a slight problem with my hair, it won't grow, but that's okay."

• Kat...
• October 15, 2015

"Be careful. My experience put me in the emergency room, BUT my friend takes it and has had a fantastic experience. Every person can have a different reaction, know the risks and definitely do a lot of research."

• hek...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 15, 2014

"I was put on Depakote when I was 17 when I started to have seizures due to head trauma from a motorcycle accident. Initially, my dose was higher, I don't remember exactly how high, but then I was lowered to Depakote ER 500 mg once a day. As long as I took my medicine and didn't drink as much as before and got regular sleep, I did not have any seizures. When I've run out of the medication and went out and drank (like an idiot), I had a seizure the next day. This happened to me like 3 times, but it's my own fault. Anyway, as long as I take it daily and control any other factors that could cause a seizure, I'm seizure-free. I've never had a seizure while taking this. The first side effects were slight hair loss, which stopped. But I did gain weight."

• jec...
• April 6, 2009

"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."

• SFL...
• June 10, 2011

"I have used Depakote for the past 13 years now, 500 mg per day. The only side effects were nausea and anxiety for the first day or two. At that point, I was taking 1000 mg. My neurologist pulled back the dosage to 750 mg and later 500 mg. I've never had weight gain as a result of it and notice no ill effects with light drinking. I did stop taking Depakote for about 6 months about 10 years ago and soon thereafter had a petit mal seizure. I immediately went back on Depakote and haven't had an issue since. Really couldn't be more satisfied with this medicine."

• Mar...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 18, 2018

"Take 500 mg daily of Depakote. I have taken other epilepsy medications in the past that never caused symptoms quite like Depakote. Memory loss, tiredness, depression, if I forget to take it, boom, aura, then seizure. Or a lot of times, a bit after taking it, boom, severe auras. My doctor, however, still thinks this medication is the best fit for me. I don't think so. Absolutely hate the side effects of this medication."

• cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2013

"I take this medicine for unexplained seizures. The doctor said they were caused by severe panic attacks. I don't know. It has helped a lot. But the side effects are terrible. Stomach burning, nausea, itching, drowsiness, and much more. I take a 1000 mg dose."

• Anonymous
• July 14, 2011

"I have taken Depakote for 13 years. Tried Dilantin and Lamictal at one point. They never fully stopped the seizure activity. Once I have learned to take my pills faithfully and have the correct dose, it has become a HUGE BLESSING in my life. I am 'normal.' I have some of the side effects (weight gain, depression, hair falls out), but to me, it is worth it to lead a normal functioning life. I also went through pregnancy on Depakote, and I have a healthy 2-year-old."

• Anonymous
• May 15, 2009

"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, the only other drawback to this medication is the price."

• per...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 13, 2015

"I gave this drug a 4 because of what it did to me, and what they didn't mention at the time, also because of what it did to a friend of mine's daughter. As far as a seizure drug and mood stabilizer, a perfect drug. It controls most seizures in people. But I was on this drug for over 10 years. No one said it could affect my bone density at the time. At 29, I got diagnosed with osteoporosis. I am not happy. I have multiple back issues now and spinal fractures. They did not heal correctly, and I am in constant pain. I have to be on at least 3000 mg of Vitamin D3 for life. My friend is older, and her daughter was born with brain abnormalities."

• kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2019

"I was on Depakote when I was 16 or 17 for my epilepsy. It was effective for my seizures, but I started having hideous dark thoughts and was worried about my own safety. This was 2 weeks after starting Depakote. It really freaked me out. I told my parents and my doctors, and they took me off of Depakote. As soon as it was out of my system, these thoughts went away."

• Anonymous
• May 8, 2008

"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."

• top...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 22, 2022

"This is the worst drug I have ever taken. I started off with double vision, muscle weakness, and instability, so I could not walk, and dizziness. I fell and broke three ribs. I had hallucinations, aggressive behavior, anxiety, mood changes, and paranoia. I was in the hospital when all this happened, and they kept giving it to me. I tried to escape the hospital, and the goon squad stopped me. One night I was convinced I was going to be kidnapped. I had to go to rehab to learn how to walk with a walker. The rehab doctor cut the dosage, and my mental health improved. They kept giving me opiates for my back pain. I also had other side effects such as back pain, runny nose, difficulty sleeping, and constipation. When I finally got home, I quit taking this stuff. In about four weeks, I was back to normal."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 16, 2013

"I was on Depakote for many years, and in 2001, I had a case of a high fever, which was finally diagnosed as drug-related hepatitis after 3+ weeks in the hospital and having almost every test under the sun. After I was taken off Depakote, my fever went down, and I lost approximately 15 pounds."

• Lis...
• April 18, 2018

"I have been epileptic since birth. I have been on Depakote ER for over 20 years. I am now on 2500 mg a day (1000 mg in the AM and 1500 mg in the PM) for nearly a year at this dose. Thought there was just something wrong with me, not my epilepsy meds or my epilepsy. I was reading all the comments here, and I am definitely going to speak with my neurologist about taking me off my Depakote ER and possibly putting me on a different epilepsy medicine. I was reading through here, and many side effects others were or are having with Depakote. I was like, oh my goodness, that is the same as me. I have much confusion, literally losing my memory, can't concentrate or focus, migraine headaches have gotten so bad since I've been on this medicine - I can't remember a complete week with no migraines. Everything is always so hazy looking, I still have seizures back, though they didn't go away the whole time of about 2 years of being on Depakote. I always feel weak and drained, tired all the time, I switch back and forth from sleeping way too much to being tired but not able to sleep at all."

• APe...
• September 20, 2015

"I was on Depakote for 1 year following 3 grand mal seizures that had been brought on by starting fluoxetine. Fluoxetine, and most SSRIs, carry the risk of seizures. They hit me hard and without warning, so I was on Depakote for a year after the final seizure and after stopping fluoxetine. It does what it is supposed to do. I had no more seizures; however, I gained over 20 lbs quickly. The weight came back off once I was off the Depakote, but you will most likely put on weight with this medication."