if u come off depakote do u loose the weight that you have put on???
I was taking Depakote ER for quite a while and experienced weight gain and hair loss.
It did help with my migraines . . .
The hair loss was a big concern - every time I washed my hair there was so much in the shower drain! In fact, I had complained to my husband about this, but he didn't really understand until I cleaned the drain with a tissue and showed him all the hair. He was shocked.
Recently, I went off Depakote ER - dropped quite a bit of weight and I am not experiencing the hair loss like I was. (I am on Oxcarbazephine now . . . )
Always talk to your doctor. Do not make any changes by yourself. I learned the hard way recently, but that is another story.
Good luck to you.
when i began depakote 13 yrs ago, no one knew about the hair loss. i thought i was losing my mind and not just my hair. anyway, my hair did fall out on the regular depakote. but it grew back CURLY! this is also a side effect from the medication. unfortunately i gained a massive amount of weight while "down" after my manic episode and because of carbohydrate cravings. i was switched to Depakote ER when it became available and my weight stablized (though i haven't lost any weight) but, my hair is wonderful and thick, and i receive compliments. your MD should switch you to the non-generic, as ER doesn't come in generic form. this is expensive though. if you can't afford the ER then remember the hair loss will stop. though losing my hair was devastating. good luck!
Hair loss can be an unfortunate side effect of depakote, would your new Dr consider putting you back on the same one you were on previously perhaps? I would certainly discuss this with your Dr as it must be very distressing and will not be helping with your general mental health.
Good luck, :-)