You didn't say spefically y you are taking depakote.  I tried it to help with my migraines, but before it had time to work or for me to tell, I became loopy.  I didn't know it though, my hsband told me to get off of it.  I was talking funny and drove for about 2 blocks wih him in the car and he told me to call the Dr.  This was all after about a couple of weeks on it.   I didn't stay on it, Neourontin works better for me.

I am taking the Depakote for migraines, and my Neurologist didn't give me a time frame. Basically because I have such low blood pressure this is the last Drug to try. I have been on Neuronton, Tegretol xr, Topamax, and Elavil. I wasn't able to handle the side effects of any of them except the Elavil, and that didn't work for me. My dose on the Depakote is 500mg. My mom was prescribed this when she was diagnosed with

Bi-PolarII and she said the same thing, that it made her loopy. I think she may have been on a very high dose though.

I was on Depakote for about 2-1/2 years. I seemed to have less intense migraines but didn't really see less of them.  I got off in January of this year after a build up of many side effects culminating with suicidal thoughts.  This was about 2 months before the news of this potential side effect was publicized.  All in all my side effects were: unbalanced gain, much drowsiness, loss of energy, no sweating, "flat" mood, loss of memory (extremely bad) and finally the suicidal thoughts.  Before I had those thoughts my biggest concern was my loss of memory.  It got so bad that one time I was standing in the shower and had washed my hair.  I couldn't think of what I was supposed to do next.  It took me several minutes of seriously straining to remember the cream rinse.  My memory is still very bad and I don't know if I'll ever get it back entirely.  It is better and I have much better moods now.  If I had it to do over again I would never get on Depakote.  Just one person's opinion.

Hi Jessica - I didn't gain much weight with Depakote - but did experience deep fogginess - like walking on the bottom of an aquarium! Sleep was not a problem, I couldn't stay awake.  It did not decrease the frequency or intensity of my migraines, but I understand that it does work for some folks.  Be patient and give it a chance - and if this one doesn't work, you and your neurologist will find another drug or combination of drugs that will make you more comfortable.  I wish you the very best of luck!

I to had been prescribed Depakote (ER 500mg) and experienced some of the side effects that have been described by others here such as difficulty concentrating, short-term memory loss, and an inability to sleep. Over time Depakote seemed to help with the frequency of migraine attacks, but I also had significant weight gain (45lbs.) in under a years time due to slowing of metabolism. I later developed edema (significant swelling of lower legs and ankles). My Cardiologist strongly advised me to discontinue using Depakote because of this and its negative overall effect on my cardio-vascular health.

Bottom line, I discussed this with my Neurologist who terminated my use of Depakote as recommended by Cardiologist. Actually it was an easy decision as after taking it for almost a year it had reached a point that any progressive relief in reducing my migraine attacks had stopped.

The adverse side effects from Depakote were eliminated over time, almost all weight gained is now gone without having to do anything more than I do normally (no diets, no new exercise programs) eating healthy foods and daily walks with the dog.

What I have learned in my migraine journey:

Reduce your stress by being pro-active rather than re-active in seeking help for your migraines. If prescribed meds cause more problems (adverse side effects) then expected help contact your Neurologist to discuss and get feedback on what your experiencing now (don't wait until your next appointment). Find out if is it appropriate to continue with the current medication or should you try an alternative. There are many medications available to help stop or prevent your migraine. Migraine treatment at this time is more an art than a science, what may work for one person may not work for another.

Recommendation:

While there are other preventive medications available, you may want to talk with your Neurologist or Migraine Specialist about Trigger Point Injections (TPI). These are subcutaneous (just under the skin) injections that are given in the area(s) of the head where you experience your migraine. The effect upon injection is almost immediate in reducing pain severity and continues to reduce or eliminate the migraine within a very short time frame, usually a few hours.  Depending on the person, the absence of migraine can run the range of days to months. This approach may take several injection appointments timed 5 to 7 weeks apart to determine overall effectiveness. I have to date not experienced any negative side effects in this treatment. I am a long time migraineur (decades) and was told that long lasting prevention of my migraines will take more time to achieve for me than someone who has had them for far less time. So there is a good dose of “Hope” for you in this approach.

Final Comment:

I am fortunate to live in Boston and have been seen by several Neurologist or Migraine Specialist. I have finally found someone who is willing to listen and give me appropriate time in our appointments. He also has me enrolled in migraine clinical studies going on here. So it may take some time, but be persistent and pro-active in getting the help and support you need and most important never give up hope!

I was on Depakote for 1-1 1/2 months at which time I gained about 20 pounds.  But the worst part was that I was not able to concentrate and easily became emotional and overwhelmed.  In addition, my migraines were no better on the medication.  Neither of these side effects are mentioned in the literature that I read so I just thought you might want to be aware of it.  Since no one reacts the same, you might want to try it.  My feeling is that we should take every chance we have at having a better life, and if it dosn't work, move on.

Hey Jessica, I took depakote for a month and is that time I gained about 15 pounds. It didn't help me with my migraines either. Just made me feel weird. My doctor then put me on Lyrica.. It helped for about a month but doesn't work at all now. If you do take it make sure you take it at night, a friend of mine is a Sheriff and he did a sobriety test on me.. I flat out FAILED! and that was after I had been on it at least a week. Anyway, Good Luck with finding something that works... I have yet to find something that will keep them away. Khrista

UPDATE:

After being on "Dopeykote" for 2 weeks, I decided last night to throw in the towel! I was on the phone with a receptionist at University of Iowa to set up an appointment with the only migraine specialist in Iowa, and when she asked me what my DOB was, my mind went completely blank. I have a 2 year old, I can't lose my memory! God forbid I OD her on any of her meds when she is sick.

 

My appointment isn't until February 18th, but it's well worth the wait.

 

Thank you everyone who answered!!

-Jessica

I have just been put on 500 mg X3 daily.  I took the generic after a bout with the worst headache ever.  A trip to the hospital and three days admitted started me out on 500 mg x 2 but my regular Dr. said that was for an infant so he increased.  The generic seemed to make me drowsy and I had upset stomach.  The name brand doesn't do that.  Also, I was taking one in am and one in pm.  Dr. has me taking all 3 at pm just before bedtime.  I'm not having any side effects.  I don't like taking it  but I would take ANYTHING to keep from getting the big headache.  In the ER they gave me 2 mg of dilauded to knock me out and it didn't.  It seems to work for me when everything else doesn't.  Good luck!!!

I seriously love Depakote for my migraines. It takes the pain and other migraine symptoms away completely. I've been taking it for almost 8 years. I have stopped a couple of times because I had difficulty paying for it and the migraines came back...quickly. Nothing else works for me. I've tried other meds, but either they didn't work at all or the side effects made it impossible for me to function. The only side effect I had was the weight gain. But I noticed that it only increased my appetite for a brief time(approx 3 months) then it tapered off and I lost the weight pretty quickly.