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keppra and depakote

I have read some of the postings re the use of keppra as a preventive and am interested in any recent experiences folks can share regarding how successful keppra and Depakote have been in preventing migraines. currently I use only relpax as an abortive. had some success in the past with Topamax but had to discontinue a few years ago as I could no longer tolerate it.

  1. Hi summer1,

    Thank you for your question and being part of our discussion forum. I tried Keppra but didn't see any results after about four months so tapered off it. I have spoken with other patients who have had good results with it. If we have four or more severe attacks a month, it's time to discuss migraine prevention with our doctor. Let me share this information with you on migraine prevention medications; https://migraine.com/?s=prevention&submit=Go.

    Hopefully others will be along shortly to share their experiences with you.

    Keep me posted on how you are feeling,
    Nancy

    1. thanks for you post. I have tried many different meds as preventives over the past years. I had some "success" with Topamax but after a few years had to stop it as I could no longer tolerate it.
      my neurologist just prescribed keppra and as usual I am a bit n ervous about the possible side effects but was curious to hear from others who have tried keppra and how they did on it. thank you again for your post.

      1. Though this topic has been around for some time, I'm new and noted "Depakote, so had to chime in.

        My neuro placed me on Depakote for another neuro disorder, though I do have chronic migraine. It did nothing for my chronic migraine situation. Additionally and more horribly, it turned on the hunger center in my brain, so during the 8 months I was on that darn drug, I gained 30 lbs. Begged my neuro to get me off the drug, which he did. Spoke with my pharmacist, who indicated that that is a possible side effect, but not seen very often.

        It would have been great had it positively affected my migraine spikes.

        1. Hi summer1 - well, I have found Depakote to work as a preventative for me for Hemiplegic Migraine - it prevents the stroke-like episodes. However it immediately packed on 50 pounds. So, my choice is carry extra weight I cannot lose or suffer stroke-like episodes and risk actual stroke. Sometimes my vanity wishes I could drop the medication wear a size 10 again.

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