Started my Depakote last night

[Kansas Educator]

I took my first Depakote ER last night. I may be feeling a little groggy this morning but not bad. My stomach is okay at this point. Unfortunately, I didn't sleep well last night and am hoping that as it gets into my system more, sleeping will get easier.

Does anyone know how long it takes for the medicine to get into your system? Hope everyone has a great weekend!

[Meetz1064]

I'm assuming you're only starting out on the nighttime dose first.....so as to get your system somewhat used to it at first, and then you're going to add in the morning dose? That's what usually happens at least. (Lucky me got to take it 3 times a day when I was on it.)

Give it at least a few days' time before you really notice any difference with only one dose going into your system. Once you start putting the second dose in, it will become more obvious.

Each drug, all drugs for that matter, have a half-life--how long that they will last in your body for a specific length of time after the regular dosing schedule. Your body hasn't built that up yet with the Depakote........it will take a little while. The half-life varies by drug....and I can't remember what it is for Depakote. I used to know---you'd think I'd remember, after being on it for 7 years....

Good luck. Make sure to keep track of how you feel, etc. When you take the Depakote, and stick with that time. Doing so will help you and the doctor determine whether or not things are working well or not, and if things need to be changed around, etc.....

Take care,

Meetz

[alivenwell]

I was told it takes anywhere from 7 to 10 days to bring medication to a stable level.

[Kansas Educator]

Meetz,

I am on the ER version -- 500 mg. -- which, I guess, means that it keeps that level in my body for the entire day. The neurologist said that we may possibly be able to to get by with just that dosage because of my weight. However, I go back mid-Nov. to get my blood taken and then they will adjust it if they have to. I would be thrilled if I could just stay on this dose because, from what I've read, the side effects get worse as the dose goes up. I guess we'll see what happens as I build it up in my system.

[Meetz1064]

the gray looking tablets--excuse me, I mean HORSE PILLS? *eyeroll* I took Depakote ER also (sorry I didn't clarify) for those 7 years.

I did well with it for quite a while--then I started packing on weight, and had a LOT of edema. It also had the side effect of controlling my migraines, which was a BEAUTIFUL benefit.

[Kansas Educator]

Yes, they are the gray looking tablets. I have migraines too so am looking forward to that benefit although we'll have to wait and see about the weight. You are right about them being horse pills. It's almost intimidating just looking at them. It's nice not to have to take them all day long though. Glad to hear that you had success with the migraines and it's nice to talk to someone who has been there with his medication.

[Nancy]

Kansas - I sure hope the stop the seizures and the migraines ...what a blessing!!

[Kansas Educator]

You're right, Nancy. I do feel blessed. I was so stressed out about all of this but really feel like it's all going to work out fine now. Support from all of you has certainly helped!

[drarvindr]

hey. my mom is currently on depakote ER 750 mg. she doesn't have epilepsy but has a seizure inducing lesion in her hippocampus. anyway, she took a few months to adjust to the drug. She felt emotionally labile and felt drowsy and tired all the time. Liver failure is a long term side effect of sodium valproate. If at any point of time you get an unrelated liver disease like hepatitis , tell your neurologist and he/she will reduce your dose accordingly. It is important to get liver function tests peiodically ( say , once every six months.) these include Sr. Bilirubin (direct and indirect) , ALT AST GGT and LDH. You should also get plenty of exercise as small ampunt of weight gain is normal with depakote ( say about 10 pounds over 3-6 months). You should avoid things that stress your liver. I'd lay off alcohol altogether. It should be fine. My mum's 53 too and on depakote for the last 2 years.It'll work out. Get seizure free ASAP !!