I am going to start taking valproate very shortly for my chronic tension headache and was wondering about the side effects such as memory loss, liver problems, and hair loss which you might get and whether anyone has found that these side effects are just temporary or can they be permanent once you stop the drug.
The dr suggests 200 mg for a week at night and then 400mg a day for 2 weeks and then to see him and I have to watch my weight.
Is this drug more effective that Topomax?
Thanks
TK
Tunz,
Keep in mind that these are potential side effects, and you may not experience them. Most of them are not permanent. It is important to have regular blood tests to be sure your liver function isn't affected. That's one potential side effect that, if not caught quickly, might leave permanent damage.
There's no real answer to whether valproate is more effective than Topamax. Everyone reacts differently to medications, so trying them is the only way to know how they work for you.
Topamax has its own issues with side effects, some of which can be permanent. You can find a lot of information about Topamax HERE.
Good luck,
Teri
I took it for a year, it made my hair start falling out, I slurred my speech and was always having to "word search". I also gained weight! All of that and it didn't do anything for my headaches!!!
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