Posted by g_g_g_unit on February 20, 2012, at 7:10:07
In reply to Re: Depakote questions » g_g_g_unit, posted by SLS on February 20, 2012, at 6:51:39
> > Just to update you:
> >
> > I noticed that after my second 5mg dose this afternoon, I felt unusually calm, focused and emotionally even.
>
> This great news!Thanks Scott. I know it seems a little silly, given it's such a tiny dose, but I am pretty sensitive. Hopefully the effect continues.
>
> > I wonder if some tolerance is developing to the more abrasive side of the stimulation, or if this is an effect of the Depakote. Overall, I'm less angry and irritable, I would say, but I also feel very grey, sad and depressed, particularly when a dose wears off.
>
> This is to be expected, of course. Hopefully, we will see a more consistent improvement once you get up into the therapeutic dosage range for Parnate. The subjective stimulant effect might disappear completely. However, insomnia might worsen.
>
> > Since Depakote isn't helping my sleep at this point, I might give it another week or so before trying something else.
>
> Unless you think that there is a chance that you are bipolar, it probably makes sense to discontinue the Depakote if it is not helping you sleep. However, I do recall your describing an improvement in energy when you first started taking it. I would keep that in mind as you progress through your drug trials. That being said, I would suggest that Depakote might be making you feel "very grey, sad and depressed" if this is not your usual presentation.
>
> I am optimistic for you.I'm not sure if I am Bipolar or not. I do notice that my mood swings a bit on the Parnate, but I figured that's related to the stimulant effect. The Depakote has quelled the rage somewhat, but replaced it with a certain sadness. I also noticed a little greyness on the Parnate too, perhaps, which tends to happen with stimulants (unrelated to it's anti-depressant effects, I hope), so either the Depakote is not helping or exacerbating it.
I think even if I was Bipolar though the sleep thing would be a deal-breaker. It is a little energizing, but it produces too much acute cognitive impairment for me to want to take it during the day, unless it was a temporary thing.
I'm going to e-mail my psychiatrist to look into Prazosin based on your recommendation.
Anyway, I'm rather touched that you've been keeping track of my reactions etc. Thanks for your input! I find your responses very comforting at the least.
poster:g_g_g_unit
thread:1010496
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20120212/msgs/1010936.html