Valproic acid

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Mike Chapman

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I was finally seen by a neurologist on Tuesday. He took me off of Keppra and on Valproic Acid. Just wondering what everybody here that is on this medication think of it? So far after 48 hours (I only got my new meds on Wednesday) I sense I am stronger and not quite a fragile. I have not had any form of a headache since early Yesterday morning. This Doctor is an idiot as far as his Bedside manner goes. But it seems like he smacked the ball out of the park with this medication change. Sign me cautiously Optimistic in Virginia!
 
Hey Mike,

I haven't tried it myself, but I hope it continues to work for you.

Valproic acid is one of the older epilepsy meds (first prescribed for epilepsy in the 1960s), and one of the most widely-prescribed, so probably quite a few CWE members have tried it under one name or another. I'm sure they'll chime in.

FYI: You shouldn't take it with aspirin (which can make it more potent). You also shouldn't take it if you're a pregnant woman, but I assume that doesn't apply to you. :)
 
Nakamova said:
Hey Mike,

I haven't tried it myself, but I hope it continues to work for you.

Valproic acid is one of the older epilepsy meds (first prescribed for epilepsy in the 1960s), and one of the most widely-prescribed, so probably quite a few CWE members have tried it under one name or another. I'm sure they'll chime in.

FYI: You shouldn't take it with aspirin (which can make it more potent). You also shouldn't take it if you're a pregnant woman, but I assume that doesn't apply to you. :)
Click to expand...

Gosh I sure hope I am not pregnant!:banana:
 
I took it for short time years ago it made nervy bit of hand tremor and zero libedo but I know many that not happened to
 
Hi Mike,

I took Valproic Acid (Depakene) for many yrs. and it worked great for me. When I first started the drug I had to have a lot of blood tests done because I was told the drug can get into the liver like many seizure meds can. One of the 2 big side effects you have to watch for is anorexia the drug can cause a medical form of anorexia where a person will either gain a lot of weight or lose weight. I lost 70 lbs. in 4 months and I was still eating normally every day. Also you have to watch your blood platelet level because it's been none to get into a persons blood platelets and lower them this is what happened to me after many yrs. of being on the drug. If you happen to notice a lot of bruises on your body that's the first sign of low blood platelet level.
Be very careful if you have to take an antibiotic there were a few times my Dr. put me on one and it caused the depakene to become toxic. Also stay away from anything with nutra sweet in it because that will mess up the depakene. All together I didn't have any bad side effects other than weight loss and low blood platelet level. I had more energy, and my seizures decreased a lot. Also don't drink while taking this med. I wish you the best of luck and May God Bless You!

Sue
 
I tried Depabloat for a while. It had no positive effect on my seizures, it did come with projectile vomiting.
 
I had a series of seizures beginning Monday. I am not sure why but this medication does not seem to be working. In fact I was better off taking the Keppra. I'm hoping this is only that not enough time has went by. I'm getting depressed.
 
Transitions from one med to another can be tricky times. Did he have you go off of the Keppra cold turkey, or was it a slow taper? Did you ramp up to the full dose of the Valproate, or is there room to increase the dose a bit? If possible, you might want to give your brain a little longer to adjust to the med change, and/or see about increasing the dose of the Valproate. Definitely talk to your neuro ASAP. There are many other AEDs out there to consider if the Valproate is a wash.
 
I'm using a Veterans Affairs Doctor. It is almost impossible to contact him. I have a request in. Otherwise thanks for the reply.
 
I have been put back on Keppra along with Topiramate starting yesterday. Today will be my first day on them. These drugs along with Gabapentin are what I am taking now. The primary reason I am on the Topirmate is headaches. I was wondering about this drug?
 
Topamax (Topirimate) is used for both migraines and seizures. Some people feel a bit thick on it -- it's sometimes called "Dopamax" -- but everyone is different. Good luck!
 
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