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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 12 to 36 of 36. Go back in thread:
Posted by anniebananie on January 25, 2002, at 14:26:46
In reply to Re: Depakote Side Effects, posted by Robert Johnson on January 23, 2002, at 9:22:52
> She has a rather irregular work schedule. Although she does not work continuously during the day, on some days she can start work as early as 7:30 a.m. and not be completely finished until 7:30 p.m. The trick is trying to keep her awake and mentally alert (not "foggy") on Depakote throughout the day. We'll see if your suggestion about taking all the drug at night helps her or not.I know it's okay to take all your depakote at night, but I'd be careful, especially on an irregular schedule. I don't know whether this would have been true with the ER version, but when I took all my depakote at night, I had a hell of a time waking up in the morning & often slept thru two alarm clocks (my neighbors loved that, as did my co-workers).
Annie
Posted by colin wallace on July 23, 2002, at 7:33:40
In reply to Re: Depakote Side Effects, posted by Robert Johnson on January 24, 2002, at 9:00:12
I've just returned from a long awaited, marginally disappointing consultation with a psychiatrist.Disappointing because, although he seemed a decent enough guy, English was not his first spoken language, and in an interview where nuances can be so important(in my lowly opinion)-I feel much may have been missed, as striking a rapport in these circumstances is more difficult.
However, my diagnosis for today is double depression, and due to my adverse, erratic and angry reactions to AD's, he's going to give Depakote a shot- at 200mg to start.
He didn't agree with (though in fairness, wouldn't dismiss)my bipolar type 11 theory, but declined my request for lithium because he felt that the small dose I wanted (300/600mg) would be unlikely to be beneficial.Most of his patients are on 1000mg or so.
Valproate, I understand, does not exert any standalone antidepressant or prophalactic effects, as does lithium ? And seeing as I'm depressed as hell and will only ever take another standard AD if my mouth is held open with forceps and a medieval catapult is used to force feed me, what's the point of a mood stabilizer alone?
Also, would I be wrong in thinking that lithium has a more benign side effect profile than valproate? I find the liver thing worrisome to say the least.
Still, its my call, and I'm edging towards refusing the stuff, and obtaining my own lithium-
then I'll just present myself and say, 'monitor my blood levels for lithium please- or don't 'cos I don't really care.Col.
Posted by PsychoPsychic on July 29, 2003, at 2:32:57
In reply to Re: Depakote , posted by colin wallace on July 23, 2002, at 7:33:40
I don't understand why the p-doc wants you on depakote. It's known to have depressive effects, and if he thinks you're 'double depressed' (What is that, by the way?) I don't know what he was thinking
...Just my opinion here, I wouldn't go back to a p-doc who prescribed only depakote for a person they think is depressed...
As far as I've read, you're right about lithium having some anti-depressant effects. Watch out for some of the 'natural' forms though, some of them can be more toxic than allopathic meds.
But about the side effects of lithium...
I have a friend whose father had to have part of his thyroid removed because of lithium damag. I haven't seen anything showing it has ALL the risks for toxidity that depakote does, but it can still cause some lovely liver damage, along with the risk to your thyroid gland and some nasty tremors.
Iit's also alot worse if you OD on lithium, and easier to do if you're not paying attention.-On a little ending note, about the depakote,one of the side effects are 'dancing eyes', so do I call my doc if my eyes quit moving? (they have,constantly since birth)
--hope the post wasn't too,long
Posted by joebob on July 30, 2003, at 20:12:04
In reply to Re: Depakote » colin wallace, posted by PsychoPsychic on July 29, 2003, at 2:32:57
Posted by Jonathan on July 30, 2003, at 21:07:32
In reply to Depakote and booze........are you sure? NM (nm), posted by joebob on July 30, 2003, at 20:12:04
Posted by trish01 on August 29, 2003, at 19:07:41
In reply to Re: Depakote » colin wallace, posted by PsychoPsychic on July 29, 2003, at 2:32:57
okay i was wondering if anyone has heard that depakote can cause your overies to stop working? first off let me say that i was on it for bipolar when i was about 15 and i am 17 now i have 6 month old son and i need to go back on my meds. so i am in some deprate talking too. i get so angrey for nothing sometimes and it bothers me so much its never my son but its my boyfriends friends and family i take it out on. so what should i do? take the risk of not being about to have kids ever again or should i take the chanse to lose my skin with another med called tryliptal or something like that liptal or something. i know both are really scarey. it scares me because i am so young and i am in love and i want more children with the guy i am with but if that happenes or if te other happenes i am either dead or no more babies. hmmm i am not sure sometimes it feels like there is nothing left. depakote was the only drug that worked good with me because i was on topamax welbutrin and depakote i was so nice now i am a witch again. the only person i am nice to is my lil boy but i don't know what to do sometimes. i feel like giving up sometimes you know. well can someone write back and say something to make me feel better please. thank you bye trish
Posted by katia on August 30, 2003, at 0:40:55
In reply to Re: Depakote, posted by trish01 on August 29, 2003, at 19:07:41
> okay i was wondering if anyone has heard that depakote can cause your overies to stop working?
Where is your source for this? I haven't heard anything about it.
Posted by galkeepinon on August 30, 2003, at 2:14:22
In reply to Re: Depakote, posted by trish01 on August 29, 2003, at 19:07:41
hi, yes, I heard from my doctor that Depakote can cause PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome) in alot of women who take it.
I would suggest you talk things over with your doctor to find the best alternative for yourself:-)
All the best!
> okay i was wondering if anyone has heard that depakote can cause your overies to stop working? first off let me say that i was on it for bipolar when i was about 15 and i am 17 now i have 6 month old son and i need to go back on my meds. so i am in some deprate talking too. i get so angrey for nothing sometimes and it bothers me so much its never my son but its my boyfriends friends and family i take it out on. so what should i do? take the risk of not being about to have kids ever again or should i take the chanse to lose my skin with another med called tryliptal or something like that liptal or something. i know both are really scarey. it scares me because i am so young and i am in love and i want more children with the guy i am with but if that happenes or if te other happenes i am either dead or no more babies. hmmm i am not sure sometimes it feels like there is nothing left. depakote was the only drug that worked good with me because i was on topamax welbutrin and depakote i was so nice now i am a witch again. the only person i am nice to is my lil boy but i don't know what to do sometimes. i feel like giving up sometimes you know. well can someone write back and say something to make me feel better please. thank you bye trish
Posted by trish01 on August 30, 2003, at 18:14:33
In reply to Re: Depakote » trish01, posted by katia on August 30, 2003, at 0:40:55
well first of all i was on depakote for three years and nothing happened to me. it was when i got pregnant that my phychatrist told me that i can get some problem with my overies. so they were removing me anway. now i am in the dilema on what to do at all. because i think i really need something to keep my cool or i am rude, loud, and angrey all the time. i would really like to go back on it but i want to get some imformation about it. so i came here thinking that the doctor could give me some info then i read that he doesn't talk to us. so i was in a dilema again. i want more kids and i am not sure if i should take the risk. i am not sure where to look for the info because my doctor don't even know that much. well thank you for your help and i will talk to ya all later
Posted by Angielala on November 11, 2003, at 13:03:23
In reply to Re: Depakote all at night » Robert Johnson, posted by anniebananie on January 25, 2002, at 14:26:46
>
> > She has a rather irregular work schedule. Although she does not work continuously during the day, on some days she can start work as early as 7:30 a.m. and not be completely finished until 7:30 p.m. The trick is trying to keep her awake and mentally alert (not "foggy") on Depakote throughout the day. We'll see if your suggestion about taking all the drug at night helps her or not.
>
> I know it's okay to take all your depakote at night, but I'd be careful, especially on an irregular schedule. I don't know whether this would have been true with the ER version, but when I took all my depakote at night, I had a hell of a time waking up in the morning & often slept thru two alarm clocks (my neighbors loved that, as did my co-workers).
>
> Annie
>Annie- you just made me feel normal for the first time in years. I am pretty new on Depakote- just about a year now.... and you are the FIRST person to tell me that they too have had a hard time getting up in the morning. I thought it was just another bad habit to add to my list. Since being on Depakote, that's been the hardest thing in the world for me- waking up. I grew up being an insomniac and now, for the life of me, I can't wake up.
Posted by Angielala on November 11, 2003, at 13:47:58
In reply to Re: Depakote, posted by trish01 on August 30, 2003, at 18:14:33
> well first of all i was on depakote for three years and nothing happened to me. it was when i got pregnant that my phychatrist told me that i can get some problem with my overies. so they were removing me anway. now i am in the dilema on what to do at all. because i think i really need something to keep my cool or i am rude, loud, and angrey all the time. i would really like to go back on it but i want to get some imformation about it. so i came here thinking that the doctor could give me some info then i read that he doesn't talk to us. so i was in a dilema again. i want more kids and i am not sure if i should take the risk. i am not sure where to look for the info because my doctor don't even know that much. well thank you for your help and i will talk to ya all later
Hi Trish-
I had the same worries when my doc put me on depakote a year ago. I'm newly engaged and kids have always been planned on by both of us. It seems that everything I need to take for my bipolar has some side effect that includes the female reproductive system. After telling my doc that my worst fear, besides killing myself someday, would to never being able to have children. She commented that if I killed myself, I would either be leaving children behind or never having children anyways. She explained that I was the one that needed to feel better before reproducing.
Since you know that the meds work for you, and you can remember being happy and nice to everyone... consider them. Don't be afraid to hunt down a specialist too... I know what you mean about doctors- it never feels like they really now what they are talking about when they address Depakote or depression or bipolar specifically. If you can find a doc that has worked with hundreds of women whom have taken these meds and have produced happy families, I think you will find some piece of mind.
Hang in there... you might be feeling some post-pardum too, if I remember correctly you said you had a 6 month year old. Post Pardum can also be treated.
Everyone has the right to be happy and feel good... people like us just need to fight for it. And I'm saure you'll agree that your baby was worth that fight when you first started it :)
Posted by Angielala on November 11, 2003, at 14:07:14
In reply to Re: Depakote, posted by trish01 on August 29, 2003, at 19:07:41
> okay i was wondering if anyone has heard that depakote can cause your overies to stop working? first off let me say that i was on it for bipolar when i was about 15 and i am 17 now i have 6 month old son and i need to go back on my meds. so i am in some deprate talking too. i get so angrey for nothing sometimes and it bothers me so much its never my son but its my boyfriends friends and family i take it out on. so what should i do? take the risk of not being about to have kids ever again or should i take the chanse to lose my skin with another med called tryliptal or something like that liptal or something. i know both are really scarey. it scares me because i am so young and i am in love and i want more children with the guy i am with but if that happenes or if te other happenes i am either dead or no more babies. hmmm i am not sure sometimes it feels like there is nothing left. depakote was the only drug that worked good with me because i was on topamax welbutrin and depakote i was so nice now i am a witch again. the only person i am nice to is my lil boy but i don't know what to do sometimes. i feel like giving up sometimes you know. well can someone write back and say something to make me feel better please. thank you bye trish
trish- check this link out- then search for others like it....
http://www.psycheducation.org/hormones/Insulin/polycystic.htm
Posted by katia on November 11, 2003, at 14:31:54
In reply to Re: Depakote » trish01, posted by katia on August 30, 2003, at 0:40:55
> > okay i was wondering if anyone has heard that depakote can cause your overies to stop working?
>
> Where is your source for this? I haven't heard anything about it.HI Trish,
You were the first person to alert me to Depakote's risk of PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). I told my doctor my concern (isn't it great that WE have to tell our doctors about potential side effects). He managed to rouse up some stats re: this. The # of woman on Depakote (including those who take it for seizure disorder) who are likely to get it is something like 30% and that's a conservative number.Needless to say I stopped Depakote almost two weeks ago? I added Lamictal and may add either Lithium or Trileptal. AND by the way, I've heard good things about Trileptal - a low side effect profile. I would definitely give this one a go. Maybe this is a good alternative for you.
good luck.
katia
Posted by bookgurl99 on November 12, 2003, at 8:08:41
In reply to Depakote Side Effects, posted by Robert Johnson on January 22, 2002, at 14:47:18
Hey all --
I've been on Depakote for about 2 months now. Things are going well as far as effectiveness, etc.
I'm also on Lexapro, 10 mgs every day (actually sometimes I just take it every other day -- every day causes lethargy for me. I told my doctor, he didn't mind).
So . . I lost 5 pounds the first month, as I was exercising and doing well and happy. But now, don't know if it's winter coming on or what, but I'm starting to feel hungry and tired more. I just want to lay in bed and be sad and eat.
Some of this could related to family-related stress (my partner needs a good job), and the recent death of a good friend.
What could I do to minimize Depakote's part in all this? Is it the kind of med where, once you eat something sweet, you just have to have the whole box?
Posted by robertjohnson on November 12, 2003, at 9:03:28
In reply to Re: Depakote all at night » Robert Johnson, posted by anniebananie on January 25, 2002, at 14:26:46
Here is a November 2003 follow-up to my original post:
My wife has now been taking Depakote for just short of two years now. Although she still has some problems getting out of bed in the mornings, this side effect is not now nearly as pronounced as it was 12 to 18 months ago. She is now averaging about eight hours of sleep each night rather than the ten to eleven hours she was averaging when she first starting taking Depakote.
She was on Depakote ER for a brief period of time, but reverted to regular Depakote within a few weeks since she seemed to sleep more soundly on the regular Depakote.
She takes all her Depakote for the day at night to help ensure that she does get a good night's sleep. If she's concerned about not getting her sleep on any particular night, she will occasionally also take a Benadryl tablet at night. This virtually always does the trick.
For any new users who are struggling with Depakote's initial side effects, I'd encourage you to hang in there. The side effects diminish the longer you are on the medication.
Posted by katia on November 12, 2003, at 13:57:08
In reply to depakote and weight gain stuffs!, posted by bookgurl99 on November 12, 2003, at 8:08:41
HI Bookgurl,
For me, I didn't have an appetite increase; BUT I had an appetite DECREASE when I stopped it. I don't think Dep. causes appetite increases as much as what it does to the transporting of fat to energy or something like that. I've read that if you take L-Carnitine with it; it'll provide energy and seems to reverse what the Dep. does in weight gain. I took it while on Dep. and I didn't gain weight - but i didn't lose either. Dep. for me did make me a bit more lethargic. it's the type of drug it is so I took it at night and the l-carn. 30min. before breakfast. I take 750mg now and when I started I was taking 2g of L-Carn. Take it in the morning and you can find out what dose works for you.
katia
Posted by Kathy Turner on November 28, 2003, at 15:31:21
In reply to depakote and weight gain stuffs!, posted by bookgurl99 on November 12, 2003, at 8:08:41
>To Bookgur199,
I was just discussing today with my sister, who is also Bi-Polar, how Depakote effected her. She talked about definate weight gain so she went off it long ago. Then I read your message and you sound so much like me regarding "I just want to lay in bed and be sad and eat". I think I've gained about 7-10 pounds since I started Depakote, which was about 3 months ago. I had recently got back into my work out schedule, but I don't really see any difference. But then again, I've been eating like a pig.(I do not have a history of overeating, and I've been thin my whole life.) I've never had to diet in my life. So like you, I'm not sure if it's the Depakote, or just slowing down in life, or getting older (40) or what. I do know that I hate it. I have a wicked hard time getting up in the morning - always. I drag myself out of bed, yet I get PLENTY of sleep. I also take Wellbutron too.
I think the medicine is working well otherwise and I really don't want to switch AGAIN, but I really feel tired almost all the time. Who knows.
Kathy
Hey all --
>
> I've been on Depakote for about 2 months now. Things are going well as far as effectiveness, etc.
>
> I'm also on Lexapro, 10 mgs every day (actually sometimes I just take it every other day -- every day causes lethargy for me. I told my doctor, he didn't mind).
>
> So . . I lost 5 pounds the first month, as I was exercising and doing well and happy. But now, don't know if it's winter coming on or what, but I'm starting to feel hungry and tired more. I just want to lay in bed and be sad and eat.
>
> Some of this could related to family-related stress (my partner needs a good job), and the recent death of a good friend.
>
> What could I do to minimize Depakote's part in all this? Is it the kind of med where, once you eat something sweet, you just have to have the whole box?
>
>
Posted by bookgurl99 on November 28, 2003, at 19:25:56
In reply to weight gain stuffs! » bookgurl99, posted by Kathy Turner on November 28, 2003, at 15:31:21
> Then I read your message and you sound so much like me regarding "I just want to lay in bed and be sad and eat". I think I've gained about 7-10 pounds since I started Depakote, which was about 3 months ago.
Hey Kathy--
I'm actually feeling a lot better since this posting. I think the previous sadness was due more to the stress I was under at the time than anything else.
As for the stomach, it is still large. But I attribute that to Thanksgiving!
books
Posted by francij on December 1, 2003, at 14:53:44
In reply to Re: Depakote » katia, posted by katia on November 11, 2003, at 14:31:54
My 13 year old daughter just switched to Depakote ER because she was getting so tired at the end of the day and sleep from the time she got home from school until the next morning (she has a terrible time getting up, too). Her p-doc thought this might help with the fatigue but she's having stomache pains , nausia and headaches since she switched last week. I put a call into her p-doc and am waiting to hear from him. She had stomache pain last year and I thought it might be from the Depakote then but gastro guy didn't think so even after tests. Gave her a med that relaxes the intestines. She's been on Depakote and Zyprexa for 4 years now with great results. She's had a few minor breakthrough agitated and manic episodes but were short and not too far from normal. She's going through puberty now so I have to sort normal mood swings and bipolar ones! She's a wonderful kid!!!:)
Posted by Mystery Jordan on December 10, 2003, at 17:10:41
In reply to weight gain stuffs! » bookgurl99, posted by Kathy Turner on November 28, 2003, at 15:31:21
> >To Bookgur199,
>
> I was just discussing today with my sister, who is also Bi-Polar, how Depakote effected her. She talked about definate weight gain so she went off it long ago. Then I read your message and you sound so much like me regarding "I just want to lay in bed and be sad and eat". I think I've gained about 7-10 pounds since I started Depakote, which was about 3 months ago. I had recently got back into my work out schedule, but I don't really see any difference. But then again, I've been eating like a pig.(I do not have a history of overeating, and I've been thin my whole life.) I've never had to diet in my life. So like you, I'm not sure if it's the Depakote, or just slowing down in life, or getting older (40) or what. I do know that I hate it. I have a wicked hard time getting up in the morning - always. I drag myself out of bed, yet I get PLENTY of sleep. I also take Wellbutron too.
> I think the medicine is working well otherwise and I really don't want to switch AGAIN, but I really feel tired almost all the time. Who knows.
> Kathy
> Hey all --
> >
> > I've been on Depakote for about 2 months now. Things are going well as far as effectiveness, etc.
> >
> > I'm also on Lexapro, 10 mgs every day (actually sometimes I just take it every other day -- every day causes lethargy for me. I told my doctor, he didn't mind).
> >
> > So . . I lost 5 pounds the first month, as I was exercising and doing well and happy. But now, don't know if it's winter coming on or what, but I'm starting to feel hungry and tired more. I just want to lay in bed and be sad and eat.
> >
> > Some of this could related to family-related stress (my partner needs a good job), and the recent death of a good friend.
> >
> > What could I do to minimize Depakote's part in all this? Is it the kind of med where, once you eat something sweet, you just have to have the whole box?
> >
> >
>
>I was researching this on the internet and found another posting by a therapist who said that there seems to be a complusive need to constantly eat while on depakote....I've only been on this for about 2 weeks and I've gained about 10 pounds...and I've been driven to contantly eat. This is coming from a recovering anorexic! From one end of the spectrum to the other extreme right now....I added my topamax back into my routine (I have some left) and the drive to eat has faded away. The suggestion to add topamax has been given on several web sites, so I thought I was very lucky to have it on hand...I just can't take it as a mood stabilizer alone anymore...it won't handle my manias anymore. But since depakote will...then I see no problems with taking both drugs to counter this problem...because believe me, I have been exercising and it's only increasing my need for food! And water!
Posted by bookgurl99 on December 10, 2003, at 19:03:35
In reply to Re: weight gain stuffs! » Kathy Turner, posted by Mystery Jordan on December 10, 2003, at 17:10:41
>I added my topamax back into my routine (I have some left) and the drive to eat has faded away. The suggestion to add topamax has been given on several web sites, so I thought I was very lucky to have it on hand...I just can't take it as a mood stabilizer alone anymore...it won't handle my manias anymore.
Hey -- well, on the one hand, i'm relieved that i'm not just losing 'self-control,' that there's a physiological mechanism behind this somehow.
Right now I'm trying out a low-carb diet, and that seems to be helping me a lot. If it doesn't work, I will try it out with the Topomax. Thanks a lot for the suggestion.
Posted by robertjohnson on December 11, 2003, at 8:23:44
In reply to Re: weight gain stuffs! » Kathy Turner, posted by Mystery Jordan on December 10, 2003, at 17:10:41
My wife has now been on Depakote for almost two years. During the first four to six months of taking it, she frequently complained about being very hungry for much of the day. Within a couple of months, she had gained about 10 to 12 pounds. Two years later, she's still about 10 to 12 pounds heavier than she was before she started taking the Depakote. Thankfully, however, she hasn't put on any more weight and now doesn't complain nearly as much about the constant hunger.
Considering the alternative (i.e., mania, constantly irritable moods, and the potential for hospitalizations), in my view the moderate weight gain associated with Depakote use is a small price to pay.
Posted by Notalis on December 11, 2003, at 10:19:28
In reply to Re: Depakote, posted by francij on December 1, 2003, at 14:53:44
Hi,
I'm worried about my 11 year old daughter.
Can you tell me what symptoms I should be looking for?
My doc has just suggested I have cylothymia after 9 years of being treated for basic depression.
My daughter is in therapy with a psychologist who seems to think all he problems are caused by me and doesn't believe there is any hereditary tendency among depressives.
Please write.
Posted by francij on December 11, 2003, at 10:28:45
In reply to Re: Depakote » francij, posted by Notalis on December 11, 2003, at 10:19:28
My daughter was first diagnosed as ADHD and possible depression. Doesn't that sound like BP? anyway, I did Internet research and found a site that I can't find any more about misdiagnosed ADHD kids. One of the chacteristic lists fit her and I went to her psychiatrist with the print out and he started trying BP meds. It took almost 2 years to get the right combo but it's been 5 years of a stable normal child. I'd get a second opinion, find someone who deals with kids and has some experience with BP. Ask around or just call the office and find out from the dr. if she/he has experience. Sometimes the diagnosis is made after med trials - the ones that work give you the diagnosis! Kids are difficult because they present different behaviors and meds work differently. If hse's on ADHD meds and is impossible when the meds wear off the meds are making her worse, that's what our p-doc said. Good luck! FJ
Posted by Notalis on December 11, 2003, at 12:48:23
In reply to Re: Depakote, posted by francij on December 11, 2003, at 10:28:45
Thanks for your help....:)
This is the end of the thread.
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