Depakote ER...Stomach Issues and Depression...need help please

[jag8728]

Hey guys,

I've had Epilepsy since around 6-8 years old, I am now 29 years old. I currently take the GENERIC form of Depakote ER, which is from Walgreens, I take 500mg twice a day AM/PM with Breakfast and Dinner.

I regularly am having stomach problems, and always keep some Immodium AD close by to help alleviate the issues. Is this normal with anyone else? Or is my crappy diet of mass sugar, fat, and caffeine doing it(I'm always on the go, and work overnight hours followed by an AM shift into the afternoon, 2-3 jobs, depending on the week)?

I'm pretty poor, and the stress and depression is severe right now.

Any advice would be helpful.

 

[TempusFugit]

Hey there Jag and firstly, welcome to CWE

I don't take Depakote so couldn't really comment on whether the side effects you are experiencing are in relation to the medication - however, I cannot stress the importance of a healthy diet and laying off the caffiene to avoid stomach problems (and that goes for anyone who has stomach problems with or without epilepsy!). Stress also is a factor and considering that you are always on the go, work overnight and are juggling 2-3 jobs certainly can't help

Please look at what you are eating, drinking and well, lifestyle and make changes - this is very, very important

As with the suicidal thoughts - you need to speak to a doctor immediately. This could be due to your medication (how long have you been taking it and what type of epilepsy do you have?).

 

[jag8728]

TF, first of all-Thank You, to answer your question: I have and have always suffered from Grand Mals, I've taken Depakote ER for some 10+ years, but this is a new generic version that I am taking now, and the side effects are somewhat the same, butthe suicide thoughts are more frequent, and the stomach issues feel different.

 

[Bernard]

Sounds like Depakote is not working out for you.

 

[Meetz1064]

Hey there, Jag.

We haven't met yet, and I wanted to stop by, say hi, hello and how do you? And welcome to CWE!!

Most importantly, though, I do want to add my :twocents::twocents: about Depakote.

I HATE THE STUFF.

I was on it for over 7 years. It caused me to have the same problems as you after a while, and I ended up ballooning in weight on top of that. PLUS it affected one of my other AEDs, and I ended up going toxic. YIPPEE SKIPPY.

So, here's my take on it:

GET OFF THE JUNK.

OK, so that's easier said than done, BUT wouldn't you rather get rid of those RIDICULOUS thoughts, be calmer and happier than to deal with THAT? Yup, it's gonna take some time, no doubt about that. But, we'll be here to support you......and I'll definitely be here to listen and be a sounding board whenever you need it. I DO remember those days.

Shoot me a PM (private message). We can talk.

Take care!

Meetz
:rock:


PS.....the Padded Room is REALLY great for venting when you need to, and the Library and Kitchen are terrific for places to find information.

 

[RobinN]

Hi Jag -
Would you take a moment and consider that your stomach and seizures might be related?
Not too many doctors go that route, and you will have to research here and online to see if that might make sense.

 

[kimberlymeg]

I agree with Meetz1064. When I was on Depakote my seizures vanished but everything else with my body seemed to go wrong. If my doctor ever mentioned me getting back on that I would probably run away. Thing is, I'm sure that for some people the medicine can work wonders so the best thing is to talk with your doctor about the side effects you are experiencing.

I know nutrition can really mess with attitude from personal experience. The healthier I eat, the more energetic and positive I feel. It wouldn't hurt to get allergy tested. I loved peanut butter growing up and then suddenly it started giving me stomach aches because I developed an allergy to it. Hope everything works out for you so that you can feel better for the new year !