[Tucson]

I have been taking Depakote for several weeks wih no problems. I woke up today very dizzy. When I walk, I cannot walk straight line. Its like being a staggering drunk. Maybe worse. I also feel like throwing up.

Has anyone experienced these kind of symptoms? I am very concerned. Does this get better? I looked the med up, and staggered walking is not listed as a common side effect.

[Wild Coyote]

I would call my doctor and/or pharmacist, at least.
I'd also consider the ER.

Please be careful.


WC

[clp9922]

I heard that these symptoms could be effects of Depakote. The staggered walking could be from the dizziness.

I am no doctor, but you should probably get checked out to make sure there is nothing else going on not related to the Depakote.

I had a somewhat similar experience, but also with double vision and sometimes blurry vision, at the beginning of my Tegretol XR treatment. It eventually past and was gone for years. Then last week I had the double vision again, so my psychiatrist lowered my Tegretol XR dose a bit. I'm fine now.

Please do let your psychiatrist know about this asap, or since it is the weekend, the ER may indeed be a good option if it is really bad.

I don't recall this side effect when I took Depakote, but I don't see why my Tegretol experience couldn't be considered similar since they are both anticonvulsant moodstabilizers that require blood testing to confirm proper blood levels.

[Tucson]

OK I will wait to see what happens. Tegretol made me walk in semicircles. I was not dizzy back then. It was the strangest experience that I have had accept for Abilify. This medication caused my whole body to shake which was upsetting to me. I cannot get in contact with my doctor accept for my appointment. It is an overloaded public facility.

[*Laurie*]

Truthfully, what you've described sounds like the effects of any number of psych meds. Heat (hot weather) makes those side effects worse - it's extremely important to drink lots of water.
I'm having queasiness (mild nausea) from Lamictal and sipping ginger tea, either hot or cold, really helps. I think part of the reason for medication nausea comes from that "off balance" sensation.
I feel bad for you. I hope the unpleasant sensations ease up very soon.

[BeyondtheRainbow]

It could be a blood pressure issue. However with the extreme heat and you said elsewhere no AC that may be the cause (dehydration). You probably should go to an urgent care or ER and get checked out as that is not a normal effect of depakote.

[eye2797]

I have my levels checked for depakote. If it is to high, it can cause side effects

[MoodyMountain]

Nausea is a pretty common side effect with Depakote.

[BeyondtheRainbow]

Originally Posted by eye2797

I have my levels checked for depakote. If it is to high, it can cause side effects

This is a very good point and needs done sooner rather than later. Urgent care should be able to help you.

Good thoughts from everyone. Regarding the heat, yes! It can definitely exacerbate symptoms. I'm not even on depacote (or having temperatures anything like what you're having there) and it's affecting me. Lightheaded and mildly nauseated. It does make one feel kind of (or very) wobbly. Definitely get yourself well hydrated regardless of what else you do. Wishing you well.