Interestingly enough, Depakote had caused a very intense episode of severe burning neuropathy for me earlier this year.

I was shocked to discover it was actually the Depakote, however, it had gotten increasingly worse with Depakote and improved with the discontinuation of Depakote.

The episode was so severe, I have intensive nerve damage left, after the severe burning had stopped. This was in all limbs and was spreading all over my body.

The neurologist I had seen while this was occurring had said he sees this quite often with Depakote and was quite sure the severe burning would stop once the Depakote was out of my system!

I have since had consults with 2 additional neurologists, they each also had made similar statements about Depakote antagonizing some neuropathies. All 3 of them had stated they often see this.

I had asked about the "viral" theory, as they had (all 3) mentioned this is possible (and in the case in some cases); in other cases of Depakote-activated/antagonized neuropathy, they have not been able to find a reactivated virus of any type (to date with all patients).

While there is clearly a viral connection in some cases, the viral "link" has not been (maybe yet) found in others. (This is just according to the three neuros I have spoken with.)

My Primary Care Physician has also seen this in patients; however, a primary care physician might be less likely to fully understand all of the potential implications as to why this might be occurring with Depakote.

A couple of other docs I know personally had also commented they each have seen Depakote occasionally "trigger/exacerbate" burning neuropathy with patients.

Also, interestingly, I would almost expect this drug to then be on the list of meds that might cause problems for those suffering from Charcot Marie Tooth; however, I do not see Depakote on that list, either.

Several years ago, I had used Depakote to try to control severe daily migraines. I did not have a severe burning neuropathy then. (I may have become somehow "sensitized" to Depakote through prior exposure? I really do not know.)

I do not know, nor did they, the absolute "mechanism" involved in every case.

I have learned I do not always have the same response to the same medications. I have also learned that I am very sensitive to many meds. Additionally, we can have any type of a reaction to meds, as we all seem to find out, sooner or later, even if such a reaction is not necessarily "documented."

I am sorry my response is not more helpful!

My Best to each of you!