Caution urged
with the use of Valproic acid

by E.B. Steppenwolf

On July 23, 1998 I began therapy using the commonly prescribed anticonvulsive drug called 'Epival' -valproic acid. This is my personal log detailing both the positive and negative effects of this drug. The first dosages were 750 mg/day, later reduced to 500 mb/day, which had immediate results. On the plus side, I became calmer, less socially sensitive, spoke more slowly and got relief from long term, chronic depression. I used to have difficulty in adjusting to a work schedule, school or other routine activities. Now, I have been working in the mental health field as a volunteer for over two years without quitting or blowing up very often or being excessively obstinate and critical. I hope some day to become a full trained, fully employed mental health care worker because I seem to have a talent for handling even irrational people without the use of force or coercion.

On the minus side, I became dull-witted, sleepy, subject to constant gastro-intestinal problems such as diarrhea, acid stomach, heartburn and liver pains. Later on I developed tremors and seizure like events, especially while lying down to sleep at night. I complained to my doctor about the sever tremors and nerve bursts that were occurring every night, but I was told that they were not serious enough to warrant any change in my dosage or of my medication. The valproic acid was released through the pores of my skin but was still so acidic that it burned my skin, causing peeling and lesions to erupt. I have noticed that many people have elevated sex-drive side effects from medication. This appears to be true with Epival. I have also been experiencing hair loss, thinning of the hair and compression of my bi-polar syndrome - ie: boxing in or channeling of the episodes, not curing or stopping the episodes. Lack of mental tactility made me into a zombie, causing extreme vulnerability, such as failure to instinctively avoid dangerous situations when actually I am a very cautious person.

In order to counteract the diarrhea I found that a weight lifter diet product containing amino acids, whey powder and coconut oil stopped the diarrhea as well as mitigated my skin condition. To counteract the tremors, I used marijuana leaves as a side effect medication. Marijuana appears to be an excellent side effect medication for mental health consumers. Moderate dosages not only slow down tremor events but can also calm people suffering with a schizophrenic episode. For stomach problems, I tried a medication called 'cimetidene' but it had the effect of causing nightmares and frequent gas attacks.

In conclusion, I would evaluate Epival to have been a 60+/40- solution for my bipolar disorder. It certainly released me from depression and wasting away with resentment, anger and frustration. But I would recommend that it be used only in hospitals for a short, stabilization period. I am extremely concerned other consumers may have their physical health compromised and their life spans shortened without anyone noticing or caring.