depakote

I just started Depakote as a preventative (2 weeks ago) , and my question is, How long until it should provide some relief in your experiences, and do the side effects usually go away. I get extremely nauseous (taking 250 mg 2 x a day) and am wondering if this usually subsides with time.

I also take Fiorocet, i have taken imitrex which helps some but gave me chest pains so I am stopping it.

Thanks for any input.

Did your physician prescribe Depakote ER, which is easier on the stomach? 

My son (who is 17 and a beanpole at 130 pounds) has been on depakote ER prophylaxis for several years for his migraines - he started at 500 mg when he was 12, moved to 750 quickly, and to 1000mg daily after a couple of blood level checks.  He still has an occassional breakthrough one-day migraine (which MaxAlt is handling well), but nothing like the weeks-long frequent migraines he was having before depakote. 

However, at 500 mg daily, I kind of doubt that you've even reached a therapeutic blood level yet -- have you had your blood level checked?  It sounds like you may be having adverse reactions even before you've reached a therapeutic dosage. 

I do recall my son's neurologist mentioned the possible addition of L-carnitine in the event of adverse side effects, but this was several years ago, and since my son had no side effects, I didn't pay close attention ... anyway, just a reminder to get regular liver panels, and your blood level checked after about a month to see if you're at therapeutic levels.