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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004 Posts >> DEPAKOTE ER
        
(Message started by: Maria_Scala on Jun 23^rd, 2004, 8:58am)

Title: DEPAKOTE ER
Post by Maria_Scala on Jun 23^rd, 2004, 8:58am

Hi Everyone...
I'm new to the board, though i've visited the site during my last bout. Well, they're back. Going on my 3rd week now. I'm episodic - get them for 6-12 weeks every 2 years, since I was 10, though I didn't know what the hell it was until I was 17. I cannot tell you the times my mother dragged me to the hospital thinking I had a brain tumor. For the first time in the 25 years I've had them, I demanded a preventative drug from my doctors. They finally gave me Depakote ER. Besides the nausea and constant fuzzy feeling in my head, I believe it's helping. Instead of 2 headaches a day, it seems i'm only getting a headache every 2 days. So for that at least I'm grateful. Though I don't even want to deal with it a minute. Also, it helps me sleep. Of course, during those two days of no headaches, there's always the fear of is one around the corner??. It's horrible. Anyone else ever used it? I should be getting the oxygen tank tomorrow night. I heard that helps...I pray it does. I'm also on Imitrex for once they start and that's another issue as I only get 9 pills per month. I can't go through those in two days. Crazy! :-[

Anyway, it's just so nice to know others can understand because as you all know no matter how much your family and friends try, they'll never have a clue of what it's like.

By the way, what's this talk about a convention??? I guess i'll read further on it on the site?

Speak to all of you soon!

Title: Re: DEPAKOTE ER
Post by RevDeFord on Jun 23^rd, 2004, 9:04am

Did the doctor schedule you an appointment to have a blood test? After a month or so of using Depakote, you need to have a blood test to make sure it has not caused you liver damage. Usually they will want to do one a month for acouple of months.

Title: Re: DEPAKOTE ER
Post by miapet on Jun 23^rd, 2004, 9:10am

Sorry you are getting hit . . but I'm glad you are getting a little relief/break with your meds.

D tried depakote years ago, it didn't help. I do know it's acts on the frontal lobe. As for the imitrex pills, maybe you can ask for the injectable? I have read (from many people) that the pills take toooo long, and the injectable is much quicker. Also, you can stretch the dosage (a one dose pin is seperated and made into 3 doses), so that may help you make your meds last. o2 rocked for D, just make sure you have a mask (non-rebreather is best, but a regular one will work if it's all you have, you just don't want the cannulas).
Others, with more knowledge on your questions will be along, I'm sure.
*positive light and energy*
miapet and D

Title: Re: DEPAKOTE ER
Post by Prense on Jun 23^rd, 2004, 10:39am

Depakote works for a few CH sufferers. What dosage are you taking? I took 1000mg/day with no results. Rev gave good info. If you didn't get a blood test, request one as soon as you can. Then another in a month.

Chris

Title: Re: DEPAKOTE ER
Post by Melissa on Jun 23^rd, 2004, 10:59am

Last cycle I was put on Depakote 500mg ER, but it was too high of a dose (I kept feeling like my brain was popping and bubbling), so my neuro dropped it down to 250mg ER per day. It helped to reduce my attacks from 4 a day to 2. Also, it is highly important you take it at exactly the same time each day.

As for the convention, check it out here: http://www.clusterheadaches.org/conventions/index.htm

take care,
:)mel

Title: Re: DEPAKOTE ER
Post by Luke63 on Jun 23^rd, 2004, 4:04pm

I was put on depakote for the first time this year...did nothing but made me brain-dead...and even brought on more headaches I think. Luke

Title: Re: DEPAKOTE ER
Post by Maria_Scala on Jun 24^th, 2004, 8:56am

Hi Revdeford - glad to meet someone that's a part of the "clergy". I'm a Pastor of a small church here in suburban NY. We're at present trying to locate a small space to rent as my living room can't fit anymore people. :) I love your website. I enjoyed reading your testimony. One day I'll share mine - from growing up in Spanish Harlem to being raised in the South Bronx. You're so right...I'm also thankful He loved me even before I knew him. I'm sure you can understand how these headaches can put a damper on things, but at least I have a good group of leaders in my church that "have my back" - as they say in the streets. Hang in there and God Bless!

Title: Re: DEPAKOTE ER
Post by Maria_Scala on Jun 24^th, 2004, 9:04am

Hi everyone...no, the Neurologist I saw didn't mention anything about a blood test, but I did some research and read what it can do to your liver, so I went to the vitamin shoppe and bought some potent milk thistle to detox my liver while on this stuff. I tend to do things more naturally, except when these headaches come-i make sure to run to doctors for these :-/... I wasn't too happy with the Neuro. He actually said I was taking too much of his time with too many questions. For now I'll stay on the meds...I'm taking 500 mg depakote er, 100 mg imitrex tablets, which i break in half to make them last, but also because 100 mg makes my chest feel too tight. the oxygen should be arriving tonite. i've never used it, so they have to show me. Last headache for me was sunday. i'm hoping the next one i get won't be that bad. i was literally on teh floor crying and rocking, while my husband cried outside. finally i screamed for him to come in as i thought i would pass out. Thanks again for all your advice. I found another Neuro closer to where I work. I found his name on the OUCH site. Definitely not happy with the last one. Hang in there guys!

Title: Re: DEPAKOTE ER
Post by RevDeFord on Jun 24^th, 2004, 9:05am

Good to have you here Maria.

I have been very fortunate for better than a year now to be cluster free. But the other shoe will fall soon I am sure. In the mean time, I get migraines as well, but even they have been few and far between.

I had one about a month ago on a Sunday morning. We have a guy in our church that is a Doctor and just an amazing person. During our welcome time during service, he saw me massaging my neck. He came up behind me, put his hand on my shoulders (he is 6'5 and I am 5'9.) He said lets go in the back for a minute. He had me lay down on the couch and he aligned my neck. within about 15 minutes, about time for me to preach, my headache was gone.

My members know pretty quick when I have a headache and they are quick to fill in on everything but the sermon so I can rest before time to preach.

Thanks for viewing my website.

Please make sure you have a blood test with the Depakote.

Title: Re: DEPAKOTE ER
Post by Maria_Scala on Jun 24^th, 2004, 9:14am

That's great Rev! I also have a friend that's a Chiropractor. I see him at least once a week for an adjustment. He knows to be careful with my neck because of "them". Sometimes though rarely, he will stop an attack with an adjustment. But as I said rarely being that we ch's tend to hide when we get them. It truly is a blessing to have brothers and sisters in the Lord to help out when needed. Well, I'm glad you've been pain free and I pray it stays that way. Speak to you soon.