Depakote for Withdrawal from Benzodiazepines

[Toms1828]

I have had cervical dystonia for 7 years. I have been on 3mg of klonopin for about 5 years. My CD has improved greatly from other treatments and I am tapering off klonopin following a valium substitution taper method (currently on .5mg klonopin/day and 40mg valium/day. I was recently prescribed 1500mg of Depakote to help with my withdrawal symptoms. I am hearing horror stories about Depakote and wanted to know the efficacy in taking this med for helping to ward off withdrawal symptoms from my other meds and also, will I then have to taper off Depakote?

Thank you!
Tom

[Toms1828]

Dr. Gould,

Depakote was not prescribed to me for preventing seizures. It was prescribed to prevent other symptoms I have from the withdrawal, the main goal being to up the GABA in my system that is being compromised by the valium and klonopin withdrawal. I am wondering if this is an effective med for withdrawal symptoms and if it is a safe med to take. I understand it is hell on the liver and GI tract.

Thank you.
Tom

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

the depakote is used to prevent any seizure withdrawal symptoms, and if used for a short covering period, should not be difficult to stop when you are ready.