Posted by Mitch on November 10, 2001, at 10:01:09
In reply to Re: Dinah- dissociation, posted by Dinah on November 9, 2001, at 23:18:18
> I have tried to do some internet research on the subject, and haven't found anything so it must not be a common side effect of Depakote. It may just be me, since I had some of the same problems on Luvox. My theory is that it upsets the careful balance I usually maintain in using dissociation by changing my base emotional state. This causes me to have problems with depersonalization and derealization.
> On the other hand, it just may be a problem with perception. Psychotropic drugs definitely have an effect on perception in my experience. The worst derealization I ever had was while withdrawing from Luvox. Perhaps this is just an initial side effect from increasing my Depakote dosage.
> All of this is so hard to figure out. I guess I'll know more after a few more weeks on Depakote.
> I really admire your hard work in learning to ground yourself. I think I cling to my dissociative skills too much, to the detriment of other coping skills. Oddly enough, I have used SI to help me dissociate rather than to bring me back.Hi Dinah,
I just now followed this thread and it is very interesting. I never "used" dissociation (at least not that I can consciously recall) to cope with stress. However, you obviously seem to be concerned that an anti-epileptic drug like Depakote could worsen this. Well many AED's are notorious for causing depersonalization/derealization FWIW-especially at higher doses (even exacerbating psychosis). I defintely had that problem with Gabitril. I DO have some troubles with derealization/panic, etc. Have you ever been on different mood stabilizers? If so, what was your response to them?
Mitch
poster:Mitch
thread:82989
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011104/msgs/83773.html