Hi all, I am back. You probably do not remember me, as I write sporadically, every time I get up the nerve to try a new med. I am now on Depakote, trying to get rid of those night attacks, or daytime attacks if I try to get some zzz's. I am up to 500mg. a day and my dr. wants me to go to 1000mg. a day. So far, no results. I am taking it with the Verapamil, and Relpax and caffeine as abortives. Anyone have any experience with Depakote. I am reluctant to go to 1000mg. because of the side effects. Any input will be greatly appreciated.   Madaline in Maryland.

Hello. I tried depakote for a while and seemed to have good results. By good results, I mean the hits were not quite as severe or as often. The thing is that it took a while for it to get into my system and/or to produce any results. The only problem I had with it is that it seemed to make me somewhat of a zombie. I only went as high as 750mg. I had to stop taking it as I was in college at the time and the 'zombie' thing seemed to have a poor effect on my work. The doc switched me to topomax which worked great and quicker for me but I got kidney stones from it and had to stop it as well. Don't know if this has helped at all but thought it might help to hear other experiences.
Don't know how long you've been takin it but if not too ,long give it a chance to get in your system good and then think about upping the dose or trying another med. Wishing you many PFDANs.

Pfunk 8-)

I had an allergic reaction to it and wasnt able to give it a shot.

Didn't help my CH at all.

Good luck, Don

Thank you; all your answers were very interesting to me. I also will not go above 750 mg. which I start today. This is my third week on it. It does make me tired but not as bad as some other meds I've tried. I am interested in knowing what your allergic reaction was, Karla. My nose has been running profusely since on it and I will read again the side effects to see if this is one. Also, although I still get the attacks, they are aborted more easily. However, the fact remains that I still do not get more than 2 hours sleep a night because after the caffeine to abort, I am wired. I am a chronic and have been for about 14 years. I am exhausted!!   I await your responses to the above questions. Thank you again for all your input.   Madaline.