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Posted by Mike
Please excuse the crossposts, but I need advice form all fronts.
I have been recently given Depakote (1g/ day extended release Divalproex
Sodium) tablet for Migraine prevention. I am also weaning off of a low-dose
of Klonipin that I was on for 3 months (1mg/day). The Depakote was supposed
to help with the weaning process (I'm not so sure about that). I have
tolerated the depakote pretty well, except that it has made my ears ring
significantly more than usual (I have preexisting tinnitus, which is
supposedly being caused by these almost constant migraines, the Klonipin
helped the ringing, so this is a bit complex), although it may be from the
Klonipin withdrawal or maybe an interaction between the two--I noticed the
negative effect on my hearing right away). I am obviously concerned about
this development because the ringing has bvecome more like sirens and
wondered if anyione else had this experience. According to the FDA,
Depakote can cause or aggravate tinnitus in 1-7% of users, but that number
seems to be the same for other anticonvulsants as well.
Some of the other options (if my doctor lets me) are Nerontin(Gabapentin)
and Topramax(Topiramate). I have read that Topramax is being studied for
tinnitus, but all of the others (including Depakote) have shown promise in
some people as well. I wondered what your experiences were on these
medicines. Also, how effective are they for Migraines? My migraine doc is
absolutely in love with Depakote. When I complained to him about it, he
told me to persevere. Not what I wanted to hear! I didn't want to push too
hard, since he is an expert on my very strange form of migraine and was the
first neurologist to identify the problem and offer any meaningful help.
The sirens seem to be slightly diminished yesterday and today, but I am
concerned about possible long-term damage that would cause a permanent
infcrease in this maddening sound. The medicine seems to be working on the
other parts of my condition, but has really affected my hearing (which was
my primary complaint in the first place!) So, I don't want to necessarily
demand a switch at this point, unless I am sure that it is the Depakote
alone, and not an interaction or a Klonipin withdrawal reaction. I have
been on the medication for 2 and a half weeks, and have reduced the Klonipin
to 3/8 mg/day over that time
I have a hearing neurologist who feels that the increased tinnitus is part
of the "smoke" that comes with putting out the fire with my unique migraine
problem and that the Depakote could increase the awareness of my tinnitus,
but was not too alarmed by the problem. There seems to have been a slight
improvement this morning, so maybe I need to ride it out a bit longer. But,
how long is too long, before the sirens never stop! How long do I need to
give the med, until I call it a failure. My wife thinks I cannot really
evaluate the problem until I have been completely off the Klonipin for a
while. She's right, but then it may be too late!
Thanks for any input,
Mike
