Depakote ER

Hi,I have a question about this medication used for seizures and other things,,,,,,,,,,i amon 250 mg depakote er at night for mood control and gaba diffency i misssed my dose last night and wonder if i might have  a seizure i have no seizure disorder and have never had a seizure but someone told me that if u miss a dose u might have  aseixure  i have been on this med for only 8 days,,,,,i have very bad anxiety and some depression and it seems like this medications takes away all my emotions any thoughts

[becky808]

I used to take Depakote ER for seizures. I took 3 pills a day (maybe 750-1000mg daily? I don't quite remember).
I believe Depakote is one of the anticonvulsants that build up in your system and take a while to get completely out (which is why they do liver toxicity tests). I don't think skipping a dose could cause a seizure - especially if you do not have a seizure disorder.  
My symptoms over time did include apathy and general malaise (aka flat out being lazy and not caring that I was lazy - I was pretty happy though :) ). I took a pretty high dose compared to yours too though. Good luck!  

[Dr Santos]

HI,

How are you? It is normal to have fears of seizure activity with your present anxiety. But rest assured that you will not be having seizure if you do not have any history of this condition. I have to agree that your liver enzymes and platelets should be monitored when taking this medication. Try to avoid skipping any dose to prevent further anxiety. Take care and regards.

[hazyworld]

Hi Well its been about 16 dys on this awful med thed r even lowered it on dec 16 to 125 mg of depakote sprinkles i amso depressed and scared I called pharmaicists all over the uSA and they all seem tot hink i will be ok to stop it till i can get ahold of my dr on Monday...i pray they are right,i dont want to have a seizure as i have said i have never had a seizure in my life,,,,,,,this is not the drug for me i already ahve anxiety and depression and this is making it worse..pleasse any ideas let me now

[becky808]

I'm sorry you're feeling like ****.
If you have never had a seizure you will not have one from an anticonvulsant. You just won't. Even coming off it will not bring on a seizure. It says that on every website and warning label because epileptics (according to my Dr) are notorious for deciding to just stop taking their meds or skipping doses to avoid side effects. THAT's why it says you may have a seizure. Most people taking it have seizures. They shouldn't stop or the seizures will come back. Taking it for other reasons will not cause a seizure. It's impossible.

My guess is that it was too low of a dose to help with your anxiety. If it stresses you out though, you probably just need something different. Are you taking any other meds for your anxiety? Make sure to get a good vitamin until you can talk to your Dr. Sometimes getting enough vitamin B in your system will help relax you a bit.

Good luck. I'm sorry you're feeling this way.