Monday, September 9, 2013

My new friend Depakote

In my constant battle against constant, debilitating headaches for two years now see, I have found another tool that helps relieve this pain, Depakote. I went to see my general doctor and told him of all the things I tried, and asked what else I could do. He recommended seeing a local neurologist tho get her opinion. Last week I got in too see her and told her my story. She says, " Most of the medications you take are to treat headaches, have you tried any medications to prevent headaches?" My jaw dropped. There are medications that PREVENT headaches? I picked up the Rx last week, been taking 1000mg/day for 5 days now and feel 85% better. Only side effect for me is dry mouth. Lets all hope this turns out to be a long term solution.

Next MRI is in December. No new or worsening symptoms so I am not concerned.


-Ed
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7 comments:

  1. AnonymousSeptember 30, 2013 at 7:51 PM

    Are you still on Keppra? My husband has been exhibiting more side effects from it. He had a partial seizure which I think you did also when your tumor was discovered. Wondering if you are on a different AED with less side effects. Thank you

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    1. Ed SlasOctober 8, 2013 at 5:35 PM

      Actually, I suspected that Keppra was the headache culprit before I went to see another neurologist, and started cutting back my dose. I have been on 3000mg/day since treatment, got down to 2000mg/day by the time I saw the new neuro, and she said to cut down on the keppra to 1000mg/day when I started the Depakote. That is where I am today.

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    2. AnonymousOctober 9, 2013 at 8:42 PM

      You are taking both Keppra and Depakote? Can you tell me what dose you are on for both? Also wondering if the Keppra XL would be better.

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    3. Ed SlasOctober 10, 2013 at 1:00 PM

      I'm taking 1000mg/day of Depakote XR and 1000mg/day of Keppra. I hear that the Keppra dose is as needed till the seizure symptoms subside, and the Depkote dose depends on a blood test for seizures, and symptomatic for headaches. I suggest you find a neurologist that can explain these things.

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  2. AnonymousOctober 10, 2013 at 4:39 PM

    Thank you for the information. We are going to see a neurologist. Now I have a better understanding of what I want to discuss with him.

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  3. AnonymousOctober 14, 2013 at 1:20 PM

    Have your headaches resolved with the Depkote?

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  4. Ed SlasOctober 26, 2013 at 3:30 PM

    Well I won't go as far as resolved, but things are much better. On a day to day basis I feel pretty good. I still have periodic spells of bad headaches (Time for Norco), and the random spikes of pain throughout my boy are still there. In all, I am better off with Depakote rather than Keppra

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