Depakote worked better for me than anything else I've taken. Problem was that I also gained 35 lbs because it's an appetite stimulant. I was also quite cooperative. I went seizure-free for 5 years and almost felt normal. My neuro changed my meds because I was gaining too much weight (which has been nearly impossible to get off). He put me on Topamax because it often has a weight-loss effect. It didn't and slowed my response time down so much I think I appeared retarded. Others on Topamax call it Dopamax - I don't recommend it! Now I'm on Lamictal and Trileptal and have seizures every 2 years. I'm really lucky. It could be so much worse.

Depends on the type of seizures you have. Generalized seizures like I have with JME respond well to depakote. However, the side effects can be hard for many to deal with. My old and really bad neurologist had me on such an extreme dose that I felt absolutely terrible and we bed ridden. Then for a number of years I decided to take the minimum amount that I could in spite of his protest. I went from 4000mg a day to about 150mg a day. At that dose my seizures were controlled and experienced very few side effects.

So, it is a very effective drug depending on the type of seizures that you have. Only take as much as you need to control your seizures so that you can minimize the side effects.

Side effects that I experienced were weight gain, hair loss, fatigue, clumsy movements (like knocking over glasses). Once I reduced my dosage those side effects seemed to disappear.

everyone is different and for me depakote caused more seizures.

I was on Topamax for a while My appetite dropped and this was prescribed PRI ÀTELY

I was on Depakote for years (different brand name, but the same thing) and while it did control my seizures, I also gained a lot of weight that I have never been able to get rid of. (It also had an impact on hormone levels etc. - it creates a side effect that mimics polycistic ovarian syndrome.) I also do not recommend Topamax - the impact on your ability to think is unbelievable. That said, I don't know of any medication that does not have a lot of side effects - you need to talk to your doctor about the possible options, then research them thoroughly and decide which balance of seizure control and side effects you can live with. (That's what I would do...)