side effects

[lej]

I have been on Depakote 750 mg for over two years. I have experienced very disturbing dreams, hot sweats, so now i take the smaller dose 250g at night and the dreams have stopped, I didnt know that this is a major side effect (along with all the others) has anyone come off this drug? What side effects did you experience?

[Gina]

I have been on Depakote for over 3 yrs. now and have recently tried to get off Depakote and am having lots of withdrawal symptoms (severe dizziness, racing thoughts, anxiety, feeling like was going to pass out, racing heart, and fluctuations in my blood pressure and just plain didn't feel good!) All of these symptoms just happened yesterday as I had missed one dose the night before. I've called my Dr. today to get a lower dose so I can taper off more slowly. I quit taking Paxil (1) month ago and was taking Cymbalta when getting off Paxil. I stopped taking Cymbalta cold turkey 2 wks. ago so not sure if some of theses symptoms are related to them but i would think they would be out of my system by now? I haven't heard out there if anyone else has ever been addicted or built up a tolerance to Depakote but if anyone has had any of these withdrawal symptoms or (other ones) from discontinuing Depakote please let me know because I think it is addicting too!

[Harold]

My wife began taking Depakote 2 years ago. My wife had an IQ of 136. The initial effect was good. Her mood swings were calmed and she was stable.

After a short time I began to notice a small change in her mental ability and slight weakness. By the end of the first year her mental ability had decreased significantly and her stamina had decreased significantly also. Her Doctor and her Psychiatrist who had known her for only a few months did not recognize her decrease in mental ability and only prescribed exercise to build up her stamina.

During her second year of being on Depakote her condition began to drop rapidly to the extent that I had to help her with almost everything. When we went out I would have to tell her to turn around to sit down in a chair and then move the chair where it needed to be.

I suggested taking her off of Depakote and switching to another medication. I encountered resistance from my wife as she did not realize what was happening and was afraid of changing medications. She stated that she was comfortable now and did not want to have to go thru the discomfort of changing medications. As she did not wish to change and the symptoms were not a listed side effect of Depakote, the Psychiatrist agreed with her and continued the Depakote.

Last month she went down rapidly. I took her to a Neurologist and he scheduled several MRI's to be taken 2 weeks later. After taking the MRI's within 3 days time she could not walk, could not even turn over on her side in bed, she had to sleep on her back, could not remember what day it was, could not control her bowels or bladder. I took her to the Hospital where she was admitted by the Neurologist. After 3 days of testing he stated that he could find no biological problems and brought in a Psychiatrist that he knew well.

After reviewing the tests that had been taken the Psychiatrist suggested taking her off of Depakote and starting her on Lamactal. He also suggested that she be admitted to a mental ward to monitor the medication change. He went ahead and started her on 25 mg of Lamactal that day. The next Day the change was remarkable, She knew what day it was, she had control of her bodily functions, and could even roll over on her side to sleep. She still could not sit or walk, but by the second day if someone helped her to sit up, she could then sit unassisted. If someone got her on her feet and held her up then she could walk a few steps.

At my request, he cancelled moving her to a mental ward and allowed me to bring her home and allowed me to monitor the medication change. The mental ward would not have been able to give her the individual attention that she required.

She has been out of the hospital for two weeks now and can walk short distances unassisted. Her Lamactal is now at 50 mg and the Depakote has been reduced from 1000 mg down to 500 mg. Her mental ability has increase slightly also but she has a very long way to go.

I researched the listed side effects of Depakote and could not find any indications of this type of side effects. Is it possible that the company wanted to hide this side affect? Do you know of any other cases like my wife's?

I also researched the drug interaction between Lamactal and Depakote. I found a listed interaction that stated that Lamactal reduced the effects of Depakote. I feel that this is the cause of the change in the first few days she started on the Lamactal. This would also account for the fact that the Depakote was not reduced for over a week after starting her on Lamactal.

[Dorothy]

I started takeing Depakote one month ago 500 mg for mirgaines to be taken at bedtime. I still had a slight headaches. My doctor did not tell me any side effects I may suffer. In the fourth week I started having trouble empenting my bladder I went to my regular doctor and could not even give a urine specimen. He took a catharie and empted my bladder. He told me I had to see a Urologist immediately. The next day I saw one and was asked How long I had been taking this medicine and I told her she told me it had shut my bladder down. She to put a cath bag in to remove the urine. I don,t know how long I will have to wear it all this week. I did not know until I started check this web sight about it may cause liver, kindey, bladder, pancreas, also heart problems. I was already on heart medicine. Please, please check out any medicines a doctor may put you on. Thanks for reading this.

[Nancy]

how long can you live with 14%percent of your kidney working. My father doesnot want any help but he will not let us go with him to the doctor the only think i now is he has 14% of his kidneys work?

[Anessa]

My 10 year old daughter has been on Lamictal for over a year, but we were still seeing her absence seizures on occasion, so 4 months ago we added 300 mg of Depakote a day. Within the first week she had what we called an attack where she started complaining of double vision within a 20 min. period and then she got sick at her stomach and later was vomiting. She was not able to stand on her own and had to be carried in from the car. She slept for 5 hours vomiting inbetween before feeling herself again. The doctor said her blood pressure had dropped and Neurology said her levels were fine and that it was not related to her medication. The same thing happened 1 week later on a field trip right as she got off the bus. So there was not alot of activity going on. Last week she got dizzy in PE and fell. She was not able to walk on her own and was wheelchaired to the office and proceeded to vomit. The same thing happened again today, 8 days later. The ER doctor has agreed with me that this may be Depakote related even though her levels are fine. Has anyone had these effects mixing Depakote and Lamictal without the levels being to high. I hate that the drug did not work for us, because the seizures have not been seen, but these other side effects are labeled severe and to contact a doctor. I don't understand why the continue to say its not the drug.

[rose]

Anessa wrote:

My 10 year old daughter has been on Lamictal for over a year, but we were still seeing her absence seizures on occasion, so 4 months ago we added 300 mg of Depakote a day. Within the first week she had what we called an attack where she started complaining of double vision within a 20 min. period and then she got sick at her stomach and later was vomiting. She was not able to stand on her own and had to be carried in from the car. She slept for 5 hours vomiting inbetween before feeling herself again. The doctor said her blood pressure had dropped and Neurology said her levels were fine and that it was not related to her medication. The same thing happened 1 week later on a field trip right as she got off the bus. So there was not alot of activity going on. Last week she got dizzy in PE and fell. She was not able to walk on her own and was wheelchaired to the office and proceeded to vomit. The same thing happened again today, 8 days later. The ER doctor has agreed with me that this may be Depakote related even though her levels are fine. Has anyone had these effects mixing Depakote and Lamictal without the levels being to high. I hate that the drug did not work for us, because the seizures have not been seen, but these other side effects are labeled severe and to contact a doctor. I don't understand why the continue to say its not the drug.

Our son has 'absence epelepsy" he's 11 yrs old and is on trileptal(150mg 3x a day). Maybe consider getting a 2nd opinion and be sure to be with a pediatric dr.

[Ashlie]

Gina wrote:

I have been on Depakote for over 3 yrs. now and have recently tried to get off Depakote and am having lots of withdrawal symptoms (severe dizziness, racing thoughts, anxiety, feeling like was going to pass out, racing heart, and fluctuations in my blood pressure and just plain didn't feel good!) All of these symptoms just happened yesterday as I had missed one dose the night before. I've called my Dr. today to get a lower dose so I can taper off more slowly. I quit taking Paxil (1) month ago and was taking Cymbalta when getting off Paxil. I stopped taking Cymbalta cold turkey 2 wks. ago so not sure if some of theses symptoms are related to them but i would think they would be out of my system by now? I haven't heard out there if anyone else has ever been addicted or built up a tolerance to Depakote but if anyone has had any of these withdrawal symptoms or (other ones) from discontinuing Depakote please let me know because I think it is addicting too!

I have been going off depakote slowly for (1500 mgs at bed) for over a year.. I was down to 250mgs at bed for about 3 mths, I stopped taking it all together 5 nights ago and I feel sick with all the same types of symptoms you are having and I just hope the withdrawls don't get worse.
I feel for you, hang in there. I would think it has to get easier.

[Andy]

I appreciate your questions and responses to Depakote side effects and symptoms. I have recently been decreasing my Depakote slowly. I have been taking Depakote for over ten years for Bipolar Disorder - manic/rapid cycler. As a result of taking the medication, and years of Cognitive Behavioral Restructuring, I was able to acquire a Bachelor's and Master's Degree. However, I also needed to make a decision to live with the side effects of Depakote. My personal effects were: cognitive blocking, neusea, lethargy, anhedonia and memory loss - which made it extremely difficult for studies. I had tried several different meds (lithium, Wellbutrin, Lamictal, Tegretol) but Depakote worked best for my symptoms. It has been over five years since graduating and I began a relationship and wondered why I didn't feel enhanced emotions that go along with 'falling in love'. One day I took a huge risk and decreased my medication by 500mg (I was taking 750 mg/day). After a week, I felt more energy, am more creative and my memory is much better. I also noticed an increase in anxiety. I have been on 250 mg of the Depakote now and noticed that I have settled down again. I am planning on discontinuing the medication totally within the next two weeks. I am relying on the fact that I know my body and am able to use the relaxation skills, such as deep breathing and other tools I learned in counseling many years ago. I know my body is adjusting to an increase in the neurons in my brain. I believe it is very important for any person who is taking Depakote for a mood disorder to realize how their body physiologically reacts when their mood shifts, uses their mood specific coping skills such as positive reinforcement, behavioral tools such as doing a calm activity when an elavation in mood appears or doing physical activity and socializing if feelings of depression begin. It's important to understand the reason for the underlying psychological and social issues that predominate a mood disorder and recognize that seasonal changes will also impact a mood. I have been taking the B Complex vitamins in addition to a multi-vitamin and Evening Primrose to help stabalize my emotions, exercise, stay away from alcohol and caffeine and drink plenty of water. I do not promote any other mood stabalizing health remedies such as St. John's Wort or Black Cohosh - my personal preference. Springtime will be a test for me and I will keep the 250 mg on hand if I need to stabalize the mood for three weeks. Thanx again for sharing. I hope this helps someone. Andy

[Terri]

Harold wrote:

My wife began taking Depakote 2 years ago. My wife had an IQ of 136. The initial effect was good. Her mood swings were calmed and she was stable.
After a short time I began to notice a small change in her mental ability and slight weakness. By the end of the first year her mental ability had decreased significantly and her stamina had decreased significantly also. Her Doctor and her Psychiatrist who had known her for only a few months did not recognize her decrease in mental ability and only prescribed exercise to build up her stamina.
During her second year of being on Depakote her condition began to drop rapidly to the extent that I had to help her with almost everything. When we went out I would have to tell her to turn around to sit down in a chair and then move the chair where it needed to be.
I suggested taking her off of Depakote and switching to another medication. I encountered resistance from my wife as she did not realize what was happening and was afraid of changing medications. She stated that she was comfortable now and did not want to have to go thru the discomfort of changing medications. As she did not wish to change and the symptoms were not a listed side effect of Depakote, the Psychiatrist agreed with her and continued the Depakote.
Last month she went down rapidly. I took her to a Neurologist and he scheduled several MRI's to be taken 2 weeks later. After taking the MRI's within 3 days time she could not walk, could not even turn over on her side in bed, she had to sleep on her back, could not remember what day it was, could not control her bowels or bladder. I took her to the Hospital where she was admitted by the Neurologist. After 3 days of testing he stated that he could find no biological problems and brought in a Psychiatrist that he knew well.
After reviewing the tests that had been taken the Psychiatrist suggested taking her off of Depakote and starting her on Lamactal. He also suggested that she be admitted to a mental ward to monitor the medication change. He went ahead and started her on 25 mg of Lamactal that day. The next Day the change was remarkable, She knew what day it was, she had control of her bodily functions, and could even roll over on her side to sleep. She still could not sit or walk, but by the second day if someone helped her to sit up, she could then sit unassisted. If someone got her on her feet and held her up then she could walk a few steps.
At my request, he cancelled moving her to a mental ward and allowed me to bring her home and allowed me to monitor the medication change. The mental ward would not have been able to give her the individual attention that she required.
She has been out of the hospital for two weeks now and can walk short distances unassisted. Her Lamactal is now at 50 mg and the Depakote has been reduced from 1000 mg down to 500 mg. Her mental ability has increase slightly also but she has a very long way to go.
I researched the listed side effects of Depakote and could not find any indications of this type of side effects. Is it possible that the company wanted to hide this side affect? Do you know of any other cases like my wife's?
I also researched the drug interaction between Lamactal and Depakote. I found a listed interaction that stated that Lamactal reduced the effects of Depakote. I feel that this is the cause of the change in the first few days she started on the Lamactal. This would also account for the fact that the Depakote was not reduced for over a week after starting her on Lamactal.

Can you tell me why your wife was on Deprakote. I am on 1250 mg and was put on for chronic migraines. I have weakness and numbness on my right side. I feel that I am on way to much. They also have me on verapamil and cymbalta. I hope your wife is doing much better.

[Paula]

Andy wrote:

I appreciate your questions and responses to Depakote side effects and symptoms. I have recently been decreasing my Depakote slowly. I have been taking Depakote for over ten years for Bipolar Disorder - manic/rapid cycler. As a result of taking the medication, and years of Cognitive Behavioral Restructuring, I was able to acquire a Bachelor's and Master's Degree. However, I also needed to make a decision to live with the side effects of Depakote. My personal effects were: cognitive blocking, neusea, lethargy, anhedonia and memory loss - which made it extremely difficult for studies. I had tried several different meds (lithium, Wellbutrin, Lamictal, Tegretol) but Depakote worked best for my symptoms. It has been over five years since graduating and I began a relationship and wondered why I didn't feel enhanced emotions that go along with 'falling in love'. One day I took a huge risk and decreased my medication by 500mg (I was taking 750 mg/day). After a week, I felt more energy, am more creative and my memory is much better. I also noticed an increase in anxiety. I have been on 250 mg of the Depakote now and noticed that I have settled down again. I am planning on discontinuing the medication totally within the next two weeks. I am relying on the fact that I know my body and am able to use the relaxation skills, such as deep breathing and other tools I learned in counseling many years ago. I know my body is adjusting to an increase in the neurons in my brain. I believe it is very important for any person who is taking Depakote for a mood disorder to realize how their body physiologically reacts when their mood shifts, uses their mood specific coping skills such as positive reinforcement, behavioral tools such as doing a calm activity when an elavation in mood appears or doing physical activity and socializing if feelings of depression begin. It's important to understand the reason for the underlying psychological and social issues that predominate a mood disorder and recognize that seasonal changes will also impact a mood. I have been taking the B Complex vitamins in addition to a multi-vitamin and Evening Primrose to help stabalize my emotions, exercise, stay away from alcohol and caffeine and drink plenty of water. I do not promote any other mood stabalizing health remedies such as St. John's Wort or Black Cohosh - my personal preference. Springtime will be a test for me and I will keep the 250 mg on hand if I need to stabalize the mood for three weeks. Thanx again for sharing. I hope this helps someone. Andy

You helped me more than anyone ever has with this quandry. Thank YOU for sharing! A psychiatrist prescribed Depakote for me about 9 months ago and I stopped taking it after just 5 days because my hair began to fall out in clumps. Three weeks ago I started taking it again at the urging of my mother, who believes a pill is needed to fix anything. My own belief is the same as yours, that I know my body and that I can learn to deal with my moods and emotions without being drugged. I am going to free myself from the Depakote before it harms my body the way others have described here. It has helped me control my violent verbal attacks on loved ones, but those all occurred when I was under the influence of alcohol, so I think it's time for me to learn to live without either of them. I have been using alcohol and valium for over 25 years and I am terrified at how it will be to live without them. I have lots of info on how to taper off the valium and the dangers of going cold turkey so I will be careful, but I don't know who I really am any more. Thanks for giving me the courage to try it, and than you to all of you who shared with us the dangers you experienced with Depakote.

[Andy]

"You helped me more than anyone ever has with this quandry. Thank YOU for sharing! A psychiatrist prescribed Depakote for me about 9 months ago and I stopped taking it after just 5 days because my hair began to fall out in clumps. Three weeks ago I started taking it again at the urging of my mother, who believes a pill is needed to fix anything. My own belief is the same as yours, that I know my body and that I can learn to deal with my moods and emotions without being drugged. I am going to free myself from the Depakote before it harms my body the way others have described here. It has helped me control my violent verbal attacks on loved ones, but those all occurred when I was under the influence of alcohol, so I think it's time for me to learn to live without either of them. I have been using alcohol and valium for over 25 years and I am terrified at how it will be to live without them. I have lots of info on how to taper off the valium and the dangers of going cold turkey so I will be careful, but I don't know who I really am any more. Thanks for giving me the courage to try it, and than you to all of you who shared with us the dangers you experienced with Depakote. "

Your welcome Paula. Valium, alcohol and withdrawals are like a roller coaster ride! Depakote is often used to help people withdraw from alcohol. I'm hoping this comment finds you drinking plenty of water and natural juices, as your body will crave sugar due to the alcohol withdrawals. Congratulations on your journey. I'm hoping that you don't hesitate to join a 12 Step group and/or attend counseling. I have four days off of the Depakote completely. Scarey what my neurons are doing but that was expected. No mood swings. I wonder how long I have been in remission??? Don't be afraid of medication as a bridge while learing skills. If it wasn't for the Depakote, I wouldn't have been stable long enough to discover who I am and what carrer suited me. Knowing which meds work best can be a long process. Good luck.

[lolo]

hi,i just started deprakote er.what will happen if
i drink alcoholic beverages

[lolo]

hello, i just started taking deprakote er. what will
happen to me if i drink an alcoholic beverage?

[faith]

what is the mg.amount of depakote &/or lithium which is deadly?

[Jennifer]

I just quit taking Depakote cold turkey after taking it for 6 years. I am achy, nauseous, edgy, and in pain. Does anyone know how long this is going to last and if it's safe?

[Lyle Sloane]

Gina wrote:

I have been on Depakote for over 3 yrs. now and have recently tried to get off Depakote and am having lots of withdrawal symptoms (severe dizziness, racing thoughts, anxiety, feeling like was going to pass out, racing heart, and fluctuations in my blood pressure and just plain didn't feel good!) All of these symptoms just happened yesterday as I had missed one dose the night before. I've called my Dr. today to get a lower dose so I can taper off more slowly. I quit taking Paxil (1) month ago and was taking Cymbalta when getting off Paxil. I stopped taking Cymbalta cold turkey 2 wks. ago so not sure if some of theses symptoms are related to them but i would think they would be out of my system by now? I haven't heard out there if anyone else has ever been addicted or built up a tolerance to Depakote but if anyone has had any of these withdrawal symptoms or (other ones) from discontinuing Depakote please let me know because I think it is addicting too!

Gina, I have been on Depakote for not too l ong now, notice no effect at all. The Dr. changed the Prozac to Cymbalta as you tried, don't go off it cold turkey, you will get the elcetric shocks in the head "head zaps" as we call them. I am back on Prozac now, its all that works for mealong with the depakote. Was on Effexor eR 30-0mg a day for 7 days and the Dr. Cut me off cold turkey one day, told me it was making me manic. Dont ever stop a anti-depreseenet cold turkey, i have always heard that yet my dr did it too me and almost killed me. If your dr tells you to stop an ati depresesnt, taper off your own way. cut back slowly, is what I did. Cymbalta had a good write up, I took it for two weeks, thought I was gonna die. Key word here, don't always do what your Dr. says. Effexor Er is more addictie then heroin, or crack, the withdrawals are unbearable, and suicidle. I don't recommendit it for anyone.
Lyle Sloane

[Lyle Sloane]

Gina, I have not had much luck with Depakote, Dr.s telling me to take it at bed time to help me sleep. Right I only gained 40 pounds. Like you My Dr. changed me from prozac to Cymbalta. The Cymbalta had a good write up , it nearly killed me, it is not for everyone, don't go off it cold turkey, did you experience the "head zaps" electric shocks in the brain, Vertigo. I stopped the Cymbalta and got back on the prozac, the withdrawals have tapered off.

As for the depakote, I take 1000mg a day at night, my Dr. telling me it will help me sleep...wrong.
As far as I can tell, it doesn't do anything for me, like takng a sugar pill. Like Lithium, Depakote needs blood levels taken, had one taken this am, I dont think has any effect on me, and I can qui9t taking it anytime and not feel any effect.Sounds a little rougher for you I wish you luck getting off the Depakote, Lyle Sloane
[e-mail]

[Karen]

Our daughter(18 yrs.) was on Depakote for 2 and a half years for bi-polar, presumably. She was eventually sleeping more and more, and couldn't wake up after 10-12 hours of sleep. With doctor's oversight, we gradually withdrew all Depakote. She's been without meds for 8 weeks now, is doing well and sleeping fine.
Our concern is that since taking her off Depakote, she hasn't had a period (last one being Dec. 2). Pregnancy is not a possibility. Could it be that Depakote has messed up her hormones, thus disrupting the normal schedule of her periods?
Thanks.

[emily]

lolo wrote:

hi,i just started deprakote er.what will happen if
i drink alcoholic beverages

i drink on friday and saturday nights, as much as any other college student, and I do just fine, no effects. It really depends on the dose though, and how is it affecting you... it's it's already making you very lethargic, being drunk is probably not a good idea. I also take 500 mg. If you're taking much more than that I'd reconsider drinking.