Depakote (valproate, valproic acid, Epival)

Anyone try this? My otoneurologist recommended it, a few years ago, for my lovely mix of migraine and MM, especially if I were to develop sudden onset attacks.

Well, I'm here. I was doing well on Valtex and JOH for about a month, and now I've had 3 attacks in 3 days. This morning's adventure has got me really rattled - happened while I was driving. (I think I'm going to stop driving for now... or at least only on days I feel really good.) It's going to be 2-7 months to get back into my local otoneuro (even with crying on the phone to the receptionist). I'm awaiting results to send to the House Clinic - hoping they can see me faster, but who knows how long it will take for these results to arrive.

Sorry, I'm rambling. My point is, I know Epival/Depakote may have lots of side effects, but I'm hoping it'll be a short term thing until I get gentamycin or laby or whatever. (Vive le laby!!) Epival may also help my mood and anxiety, and any migraine component. Just lots of shitty potential side effects.

So, anyone on Epival/Depakote? Any experience you want to share, especially on its effects on MM vertigo, migraine, mood, driving?
Please & Thanks

 

Yup. I agree. Yet not being able to drive due to Menieres is extreme too. Bleh. I’m really just looking for something to help me hang on until hopefully I get gentamicin injections or a laby - also extreme, but I’m at that jumping off point.

I can’t find any research on valproate in Menieres specifically. It has been studied and used for for seizure drop attacks and for migraine, for sure.

The other drug that might be offered me is Nortriptyline. It also would be mostly a migraine prevention.

 

I agree. My pal who has epilepsy sees lots of similarities- the post-ictal brain fog and mood changes, not to mention the impact and anxiety about the next attack.

I see my family doc tomorrow (hubby will drive!). I’ll keep you posted.

 

Do you mean preventative ones? Valproate is one of the preventative migraine meds.

A lot of the others I’m reluctant to take due to low blood pressure already.

I’ve been on Amitriptyline before but it gave me a dry mouth, dental problems and I have pvc’s (heart rhythm issue). Amitriptyline’s cousin Nortriptylin May be another option.

 

PS Travelershe
I’m doing the Buchholz approach to hopefully control any migraine component of my misery. I’m off caffeine, booze, nicotine, gluten... Triptans didn’t agree with me. I’m trying not to take Advil and Tylenol too often anymore.

 

I saw my family doc. She is equally perplexed as to whether to try Nortriptylin or Valtrex.

She agrees that the wait for our local Neurotology lady is ludicrous, considering I’ve removed myself from driving. So she’s on board with me getting to House ASAP.

 

Awesome, Coach Betz! We will trial the Nortrip together!

 

Coach betz

How’s it going with Nortriptylin?

I tried one dose a few nights ago. I thought it would make me drowsy and give me a lovely sleep. Unfortunately I felt agitated and nauseous. After 2 hours of trying to sleep I caved and took Ativan.

Maybe it was just my anxious mind, but I’m not usually that bad. But I’m going to leave the Nortriptylin alone for now. I know it’s helpful for lots of folks, so don’t let my experience scare you from trying it. I’ve had wierd reactions to other brain meds so it’s probably that.

I’m hoping to be traveling the next couple of weeks so am reluctant to try epival during that time. I’ve gone back on Remeron (mirtazipine) which has helped my sleep, low appetite and anxiety before. Unfortunately it’s neutral (not protective) re: migraine. I’d hoped Nortriptylin would be my 2 for 1 deal.

 

Thanks coach. Hope it gets better soon. Barometric changes are a drag for sure.

 

Hi coach - sorry for the repeat/copy - I see this is probably the better thread for asking how your nortriptyline is going.

 

I tried another dose of nortriptyline yesterday, and got the same bloaty nauseated feeling as before so I guess that’s a bust. Darn it!

Oh well. Maybe I’ll pick up a small amount of the Epival and just see. Or wait for my appointment, procedure/surgery and then see what life is like.

 

PS I just found one mention of Depakote (epival) being prescribed for a Menieres patient, whose attacks had a possible migraine aura associated with them. It sounded like it worked well for them. (Hearing Review)

 

So I’m on Epival (depakote, Valproic acid, valproex... so many names) 125 mg twice a day. This is supposed to be a good dose for migraine prevention, and for drop attacks.

Epival is also used, at higher doses, for epilepsy, bipolar, and as a mood stabilizer sometimes used in depression. My pharmacist says all the nasty side effects are more a concern at the higher doses.

I also read that Epival has been used intravenously in ERs to treat really bad migraines.

It’s just been a few days, but so far so good.

 

Ugh. I’ve got the doom and gloom. Not sure if it’s the Epival or just life. I’m going to reduce the dose and see how it goes.