Question Title: Use of depakote for migraine equivalents

In Sept, 1998; my neurologist put me on Depokate to treat migraine equivalents, which at this time is still a questionable diagnosis. I found no relief of symptoms (near syncope; general weakness; loss of vision, hearing, memory, balance; short sessions of paralysis but not headache) on 250mg bid so the dosage was increased to 500 mg bid. My question is that with what research I can find on the drug that it can be fairly nasty with pancreatitis, liver dysfunction and failure, thrombocytopenia and coagulation deficiencies. Just what is the action of the drug and how and what does it effect? What recommendation and information can you give regarding this drug. Is there an alternate? At the 1000 mg dose per day, I feel in a constant "drugged" state and wonder if this will pass or is it the ususal feeling desired by the drug. It is not a state or situation I want to continue in as it does interfer in my quality of life.

Thank you for an information you can give.

Dear Maureen,
Valproate sodium (Depakote, trade name) is used to treat seizures and
recently approved for migraine. Scientific studies have proved the
efficacy of the drug for migraine without aura. No studies have looked
at migraine equivalent.
All the side effects you mentioned are correct and that is why
you and your doctor should always discuss it and weigh the risk and benefit
before starting any medicine. I have used depakote for migraine myself and
have found it to be useful. We don't know how it works in migraine, but
we know how it works for seizure patients (it blocks sodium channel).
There are other medications availeble for migraine prevention,
that is migraine attack that occur more than 3-4 times a month, or severe
enough to cause disability, missing workdays, etc.
The dose of 500 mg twice a day is a common dose and may cause drowsiness
in some people. You might want to let your doctor know if you feel too
drugged out from the meds. Your doctor may want to check the drug level
in your blood, it may be too high for you, in which case he may reduce
the dose. As you mentioned, this drug may cause liver problem, so
a liver test is also done before and while taking the medication, as well
as blood count, as this drug can cause platelet abnormalities .

I hope this information helps and good luck to you.

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