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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by jane66 on June 26, 2001, at 9:35:15
Hello
I am really annoyed at my doctor now. He has prescribed me "Valpro" (sodium valproate) which claims it's for epilepsy (I'm pretty sure I don't have epilepsy). He's taking me off Lithium at the same time (and I'm still on Mirtazipine).
I'm really not sure whether or not I should be taking this medication.
The only thing I have had recently is hallucinations half way to sleeping which have been really troubling; and my depression seems to be getting worser.
If anyone has any ideas, please help
Jane
Posted by Ted on June 26, 2001, at 9:59:43
In reply to Valpro???, posted by jane66 on June 26, 2001, at 9:35:15
Hi Jane,
The drug mzarketing name is Depakote. I take it twice a day. Yes, it wasoriginally marketed for epilepsy, but it is also an excellent mood suppressor and has several other uses. It has worked wonders for me.
Here are the concerns you should have about taking the drug:
1. It has a drug interaction list a mile long. Learn these so you can avoid them. If you currently take meds on this list, then you should make sure your doctor knows and *understands*.
2. It is toxic to the liver. You must have blood tests done at lease every 3 months to make sure that (1) your dose is sufficient, and (2) your liver function is normal.
3. It will make you VERY sleepy when you start taking it. Start by taking it at lunchtime & bedtime. That will keep you awake most of the day. After you can tolerate this OK (about 8 weeks), switch to morning & evening.
4. Avoid alcohol. period. It is also good to avoid caffeine.Ted
> I am really annoyed at my doctor now. He has prescribed me "Valpro" (sodium valproate) which claims it's for epilepsy (I'm pretty sure I don't have epilepsy). He's taking me off Lithium at the same time (and I'm still on Mirtazipine).
> I'm really not sure whether or not I should be taking this medication.
Posted by SalArmy4me on June 26, 2001, at 10:00:58
In reply to Valpro???, posted by jane66 on June 26, 2001, at 9:35:15
The treatment-refractory depression you may have may actually be a bipolar disorder that responds to a mood stabilizer such as valproate (divalproex sodium). Antidepressants like mirtazapine have the potential to induce rapid mood cycling (rapid mood shifts from mania to depression) or to precipitate mania or hypomania or a mixed state (dysphoric mania) in bipolar disorder. Bipolar patients may present with symptoms of major depression and not volunteer or recognize a history of hypomanic episodes, because the mild severity of hypomania does not result in functional impairment.
Source: Reed, Susan MSN, CRNP. Management of the Depressed Patient Who Appears To Be Nonresponsive To Antidepressant Therapy. Lippincott's Primary Care Practice. Mental Health. 4(2):240-248, March/April 2000.
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