Posted by Mitch on August 8, 2001, at 8:31:54
In reply to Depakote = panic attacks??, posted by MM on August 8, 2001, at 2:46:11
> As I've mentioned quite a bit,I just started Depakote ER (500mg) and paxil (10mg). My old panic attacks are returning. Before I took any medication (SSRI's are what I was given) I had panic attacks fairly often. They were the body kind. The pounding, racing heart, intense fear, shakes, weak in the knees etc. After I took the SSRI's, I guess THAT kind of panic attack went away, but I didn't notice. Now that they've returned since I started the depakote/paxil, I realise they were gone for a while, or were different. I'm thinking possibly the depakote is making me depressed so that's why I'm getting the PA's again. I still had PA's after/during SSRI's, but they were more of a mind panic attack if that makes sense. I got overwrought with worry about my life, and my mental health. I'm still feeling that way, but now I'm getting panic attacks like I had when I was diagnosed with agoraphobia, before I took SSRI's.
> I can't see my pdoc til early september (I think I'll be begging for neurontin), and don't want to call him because I've only been on this combo for about 5 days, and he'll be on vacation for a couple weeks in late august.
> Sorry for rambling. I feel like my posts are getting on people's nerves here, so if I'm bothering anyone, just tell me, but does anyone have any idea why I'm getting panic attacks on depakote? Has anyone else had this happen? Will it go away after a while? Is my dose in the average range? I read Depakote's good for panic, but it's obviously not working for me. I feel pretty bad on this stuff.MM,
I don't think it is the Depakote that is responsible *directly*. However it may be worsening your depression like you said making you more susceptible to them. I would suggest Neurontin instead of Depakote as well (esp. for mixed anxiety/depression). You said you diagnosed with agoraphobia? Have you tried a TCA?
Some folks get melancholic on SSRi's, and the depakote proabably wouldn't help that any.Mitch
poster:Mitch
thread:74094
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010804/msgs/74115.html