Extreme drowsiness from use of Depakote

[Hanks]

My husband has been on Depakote for more than 3 weeks (1000 mg/day) and still has extreme drowsiness, having to sleep much of the day. Is this normal? Have others had exprience. The Dr. has suggested changing to Keppra, but the side effects on that seem to be extreme drowsiness too. We'll appreciate any input/ideas you have.
Thank you.

[396SS]

My mom was on Depakote and she was pretty drowsy/dopey at first, but then got used to the medicine eventually and that went away.  I would make sure with your doctor that he isn't getting too high of a dose at first.

Hope this helps:)

[randy481]

My doctor put me on Depakote ER 1,000mg to be taken every morning. During the first two weeks all I wanted to do was sleep. Finally we decided that I should take 500mg in the morning and 500mg before bedtime. That did the trick for me. I've been able to function without the drowsiness.