Depakote=BAD
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January 2, 2009 - 1:24 am
I recommend avoiding Depakote if at all possible bc it made me and others I saw gain weight like balloons: 60+ pounds, each of us, at least.
I recommend avoiding Depakote if at all possible bc it made me and others I saw gain weight like balloons: 60+ pounds, each of us, at least.
January 2, 2009 - 10:34 pm
Total Posts: 18
Joined: 01-02-2009
Joined: 01-02-2009
I gained weight on Depakote as well. Sometimes taking the medication and gaining weight is better than living without the help of the medication. I did get to the point later that I could handle a different medication that didn't make me gain weight. Any change of medication has to be very gradual and very overseen by a doctor.
I gained weight on Depakote as well. Sometimes taking the medication and gaining weight is better than living without the help of the medication. I did get to the point later that I could handle a different medication that didn't make me gain weight. Any change of medication has to be very gradual and very overseen by a doctor.
January 3, 2009 - 10:51 pm
Total Posts: 30
Joined: 12-21-2008
Joined: 12-21-2008
I agree that Depakote has the ability to aide in weight gain. BUT with the combination of Lamictal and Xanax (for anxiety and insomnia), I have never been better.
I agree that Depakote has the ability to aide in weight gain. BUT with the combination of Lamictal and Xanax (for anxiety and insomnia), I have never been better.
January 4, 2009 - 11:09 am
Total Posts: 24
Joined: 05-21-2008
Joined: 05-21-2008
I've not gained any weight at all with Depakote. But i've been lucky never to have major weight problems.
I couldn't live without it myself. The difference in quality of life it has given me is remarkable.
Each person reacts differently I suppose and that's why they say it's such a long trial and error process to get you on the correct meds.
I couldn't live without it myself. The difference in quality of life it has given me is remarkable.
Each person reacts differently I suppose and that's why they say it's such a long trial and error process to get you on the correct meds.
Current medications as of 01-04-2009
| 05-27-2008 - Present: | Depakote, 250 mg. Twice a day |
| 05-27-2008 - Present: | Seroquel, 50 mg. Once a day at night |
| 07-12-2008 - Present: | Duloxetine, 60 mg. Once a day in morning |
I've not gained any weight at all with Depakote. But i've been lucky never to have major weight problems.
I couldn't live without it myself. The difference in quality of life it has given me is remarkable.
Each person reacts differently I suppose and that's why they say it's such a long trial and error process to get you on the correct meds.
I couldn't live without it myself. The difference in quality of life it has given me is remarkable.
Each person reacts differently I suppose and that's why they say it's such a long trial and error process to get you on the correct meds.
Current medications as of 01-04-2009
| 05-27-2008 - Present: | Depakote, 250 mg. Twice a day |
| 05-27-2008 - Present: | Seroquel, 50 mg. Once a day at night |
| 07-12-2008 - Present: | Duloxetine, 60 mg. Once a day in morning |
January 6, 2009 - 10:05 pm
Total Posts: 1
Joined: 01-04-2009
Joined: 01-04-2009
I think it is a matter of metabolism and lifestyle, and not completely the fault of the drug. I have been on depakote for 8 years now. I credit it and my wellbutrin to basically saving my life and keeping me out of the psych wards. I initially did put on about 15- 20 pounds and wasn't happy about it, but the alternative was a lot worse. But then I just decided to educate myself on nutrition and quit blaming the drug for my big butt, and started doing some exercise and stuck with it. I have lost the 20 pounds I gained on depakote and even 10 more and I still take the drug. Depakote does NOT equal bad for everybody. Everyone is entitled to their opinion of course, but a blanket statement such as this is not thought out very well.
MH
I think it is a matter of metabolism and lifestyle, and not completely the fault of the drug. I have been on depakote for 8 years now. I credit it and my wellbutrin to basically saving my life and keeping me out of the psych wards. I initially did put on about 15- 20 pounds and wasn't happy about it, but the alternative was a lot worse. But then I just decided to educate myself on nutrition and quit blaming the drug for my big butt, and started doing some exercise and stuck with it. I have lost the 20 pounds I gained on depakote and even 10 more and I still take the drug. Depakote does NOT equal bad for everybody. Everyone is entitled to their opinion of course, but a blanket statement such as this is not thought out very well.
MH
January 10, 2009 - 12:50 pm
Total Posts: 28
Joined: 12-15-2008
Joined: 12-15-2008
Hi
I was on Epilim (sodium valpoate) - which is the cheaper version of Depakote. It was used to replace lithium which was starting to affect my thyroid. The dose was 1200mg/day. It stabilised me but 1) I put over stones on, 2) it anchored me in moderate to serious depression and 3) it robbed my of my motivation and drive for everything - work - spending time with my daughter - cinema, theatre, music, seeing friends etc. etc I still did some of that stuff but with a very heavy heart which was very distressing. These effects weren't due to lingering thyroid problems as that righted itself when I came off the lithium. I saw a new consultant who changed all my meds and told me that loss of drive and weight gain was a common problem with valproate. The Epilim was reduced gradually to nothing and by the time I came off it I had gone from almost 17 stone to 15 stone. No effort on my part; no exercise, no change in diet. The other problem I found with it was tremors for which I had to take propranolol - with limited benefit.
I was on Epilim (sodium valpoate) - which is the cheaper version of Depakote. It was used to replace lithium which was starting to affect my thyroid. The dose was 1200mg/day. It stabilised me but 1) I put over stones on, 2) it anchored me in moderate to serious depression and 3) it robbed my of my motivation and drive for everything - work - spending time with my daughter - cinema, theatre, music, seeing friends etc. etc I still did some of that stuff but with a very heavy heart which was very distressing. These effects weren't due to lingering thyroid problems as that righted itself when I came off the lithium. I saw a new consultant who changed all my meds and told me that loss of drive and weight gain was a common problem with valproate. The Epilim was reduced gradually to nothing and by the time I came off it I had gone from almost 17 stone to 15 stone. No effort on my part; no exercise, no change in diet. The other problem I found with it was tremors for which I had to take propranolol - with limited benefit.
Hi
I was on Epilim (sodium valpoate) - which is the cheaper version of Depakote. It was used to replace lithium which was starting to affect my thyroid. The dose was 1200mg/day. It stabilised me but 1) I put over stones on, 2) it anchored me in moderate to serious depression and 3) it robbed my of my motivation and drive for everything - work - spending time with my daughter - cinema, theatre, music, seeing friends etc. etc I still did some of that stuff but with a very heavy heart which was very distressing. These effects weren't due to lingering thyroid problems as that righted itself when I came off the lithium. I saw a new consultant who changed all my meds and told me that loss of drive and weight gain was a common problem with valproate. The Epilim was reduced gradually to nothing and by the time I came off it I had gone from almost 17 stone to 15 stone. No effort on my part; no exercise, no change in diet. The other problem I found with it was tremors for which I had to take propranolol - with limited benefit.
I was on Epilim (sodium valpoate) - which is the cheaper version of Depakote. It was used to replace lithium which was starting to affect my thyroid. The dose was 1200mg/day. It stabilised me but 1) I put over stones on, 2) it anchored me in moderate to serious depression and 3) it robbed my of my motivation and drive for everything - work - spending time with my daughter - cinema, theatre, music, seeing friends etc. etc I still did some of that stuff but with a very heavy heart which was very distressing. These effects weren't due to lingering thyroid problems as that righted itself when I came off the lithium. I saw a new consultant who changed all my meds and told me that loss of drive and weight gain was a common problem with valproate. The Epilim was reduced gradually to nothing and by the time I came off it I had gone from almost 17 stone to 15 stone. No effort on my part; no exercise, no change in diet. The other problem I found with it was tremors for which I had to take propranolol - with limited benefit.
January 10, 2009 - 12:54 pm
Total Posts: 28
Joined: 12-15-2008
Joined: 12-15-2008
Sorry - forgot to add on my last post.
Epilim wasn't ideal for me - but as I said it DID stabilise me after a very chaotic time - so I think it did play an important part in my journey to wellness.
Stay well
Epilim wasn't ideal for me - but as I said it DID stabilise me after a very chaotic time - so I think it did play an important part in my journey to wellness.
Stay well
Sorry - forgot to add on my last post.
Epilim wasn't ideal for me - but as I said it DID stabilise me after a very chaotic time - so I think it did play an important part in my journey to wellness.
Stay well
Epilim wasn't ideal for me - but as I said it DID stabilise me after a very chaotic time - so I think it did play an important part in my journey to wellness.
Stay well
January 15, 2009 - 9:23 am
Total Posts: 1
Joined: 10-24-2008
Joined: 10-24-2008
Depakote ER 1500mg/ day and Lamictal 50mg/day
I have gained weight since taking this medication and it is not related to my life style as my weight has never been an issue for me or metabolism. I've also experienced hair loss, terrible tremors that now make me spill and'or drop my food at times not to mention minor things that almost all medications will probably cause. BUt, that being said this is only my experience with this and it is a trial and error as already mentioned and the right combo's for me I suppose just haven't been achieved yet. Good luck to ya'.
I have gained weight since taking this medication and it is not related to my life style as my weight has never been an issue for me or metabolism. I've also experienced hair loss, terrible tremors that now make me spill and'or drop my food at times not to mention minor things that almost all medications will probably cause. BUt, that being said this is only my experience with this and it is a trial and error as already mentioned and the right combo's for me I suppose just haven't been achieved yet. Good luck to ya'.
Depakote ER 1500mg/ day and Lamictal 50mg/day
I have gained weight since taking this medication and it is not related to my life style as my weight has never been an issue for me or metabolism. I've also experienced hair loss, terrible tremors that now make me spill and'or drop my food at times not to mention minor things that almost all medications will probably cause. BUt, that being said this is only my experience with this and it is a trial and error as already mentioned and the right combo's for me I suppose just haven't been achieved yet. Good luck to ya'.
I have gained weight since taking this medication and it is not related to my life style as my weight has never been an issue for me or metabolism. I've also experienced hair loss, terrible tremors that now make me spill and'or drop my food at times not to mention minor things that almost all medications will probably cause. BUt, that being said this is only my experience with this and it is a trial and error as already mentioned and the right combo's for me I suppose just haven't been achieved yet. Good luck to ya'.
Joined: 11-20-2007