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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by robert wer on January 29, 2004, at 13:35:38
I am new to Psyc meds, and have finally caved, after much suggesting from all around me, to help with my anger, moods, etc. I was prescribed DEPAKOTE, 250MG's 2x/day to start. I was hoping to get some significant feedback, support and information from you Babblers out there, particularly those with personal experience in this drug. I took my first pill yesterday at 7PM and was fairly groggy till sleep. Woke up this AM as if after a night of serious drinking (which I DO NOT DO NOR DO I DO DRUGS; I AM IN RECOVERY!!!). The initial groggy wore off --some -- but I am DEFINATELY not myself. It's hard to pin point my feelings precisely, but for sure I am less able to access my brain, if that makes sense to you people. I feel slower in the thinking department, a laziness, less able to be spontaneous or creative (I am a writer). I also feel a good dose of anxiety; and not necessarily about anything but that this drug is having a significant impact on me, which is really why I am posting here, to get some feedback and support. I would sincerely appreciate if those with experience with DEPAKOTE or related drugs can share with me. I also wish to know how you all feel about whether DEPAKOTE had the desired effect on your lives, as your PsychoPharm Doc had hoped. Is it working???? And if not, why not? Signed, anxious, tentative, and in need of support. aka Rob
Posted by krazybirdlady on January 29, 2004, at 17:47:33
In reply to DEPAKOTE: Initial Effects and What happens Next?, posted by robert wer on January 29, 2004, at 13:35:38
have you been diagnosed with bi polar? depakote is a very common drug to treat this. it is actually an anti-epileptic (as are many psych drugs). it will make you groggy and out of sorts initially, but you must give it time. as your body adjusts, your symptoms should abate. it will level out your moods, so that may take some adjustment on your part. there are also many other mood stabilizers out there, so if after a few months you find this one isn't working, then talk to your doc about trying another..
Posted by robert wer on January 29, 2004, at 18:01:45
In reply to Re: DEPAKOTE: Initial Effects and What happens Next? » robert wer, posted by krazybirdlady on January 29, 2004, at 17:47:33
Thanks for a response. I have not been diagnosed with BP. Rather, my P-Doc's thinking was that she wanted to start me with a mood stabilizer, rather than an AD, cause there's a mania she felt associated with AD's and I suppose wanted me not to go toward that. I have been doing really well with my therapy lately, and feel very discouraged tonight about how flat, and semi-out of it I feel. On the other hand, I dont have much energy to ruminate. Is 500MG's a lot? What else can you offer? Thank you.
Posted by krazybirdlady on January 29, 2004, at 20:12:21
In reply to Re: DEPAKOTE: Initial Effects and What happens Next?, posted by robert wer on January 29, 2004, at 18:01:45
no 500mg is a low dose. that may be adjusted once your doc sees how it's affecting you. other mood stabilizers include lithium, lamictal, and others i can't even remember. do a google search for mood stabilizers and see what you come up with...
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