hyper79
03-14-2007, 08:55 PM
Hi,I have had a on going problem for about 5 -6 years, I have cycling depression or something?? My pdoc dx me with bipolar 2 weeks ago and prescribed depakote which I have not took, for one I have anxiety over meds because of some bad reactions to a few of the ssri's. I have never had a manic episode but I go from the normal me to no energy depressed/anxious and it cycles quite often, so often I was fired from my job 10 months ago. I am on klonopin "as needed" and elavil 25mg for sleep at bedtime. I asked her if I could try prozac since I have not tried it but she felt 250mg 2 X daily of depakote added to what I'm already on would help.I have gotten the impression depakote was to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar? I am no dr but it just dont seem right,I dont want to give her the impression I do not want to get better but I hate to risk taking another med and getting worse.Any feedback would be helpful
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michael178
03-14-2007, 09:25 PM
Yes, depakote is an anti seizure medication often used in place of lithium, to treat mania in bipolar. From your description of the cyclic nature of your depression, you are sending strong bipolar signals, and probably need to discuss this with your pdoc versus unipolar, or straight dedpression. Most people who cycle depression, have an opposing upswing. And the fear is that a slight upswing will develop into a more severe mania, which, I think, is more dangerous than the down swing side. Depakote also has a big weight gain side effect...sixty, seventy pounds is not that unusual. But, at any rate, you have the right to refuse to take any medication. Discuss this with you pdoc though. There are lots of different drugs to take.
rishi
03-14-2007, 09:25 PM
hi, i'm rishi. did your doc explain " the why " of your med/ change? you can ask....i would! ...rishi
michael178
03-14-2007, 09:27 PM
Yes, depakote is an anti seizure medication often used in place of lithium, to treat mania in bipolar. From your description of the cyclic nature of your depression, you are sending strong bipolar signals, and probably need to discuss this with your pdoc versus unipolar, or straight dedpression. Most people who cycle depression, have an opposing upswing. And the fear is that even a slight upswing will develop into more severe mania, which, I believe, is considered more dangerous than the down swing side. Depakote also has a big weight gain side effect...sixty, seventy pounds is not that unusual. At any rate, you have the right to refuse to take any medication. Discuss this with you pdoc though. There are lots of different drugs to take.
greenidme
03-14-2007, 11:41 PM
Ask your pdoc about Lamictal. It's an anti-seizure med but is also approved for bipolar used as a stablizer. I love it! No weight gain. No side effects. You do have to watch for a rash that CAN be fatal but it rarely is anymore because they start at a low dose and gradually raise it provided you don't get the rash.IF YOU DO you stop taking it immediately and it will go away with no after effects. I've been on it for over 2 years now and, like I said before- I LOVE IT. Michael is right- you always have the right to refuse a medication. A good pdoc will work WITH you so that you will comply with his rx.
Keep us posted. Good luck!
Keep us posted. Good luck!
hyper79
03-15-2007, 12:11 AM
Hi, she did kinda give me a choice of lamictal or depakote and did mention the rash as well as liver damage which can occur, I guess she picked for me.Actually rishi she didnt really say why she choose depakote, she said she maybe your bipolar, I hate the word maybe especially from a doctor.Most of the ssri's I tried seemed to make my depression/anxiety worsen. On the days I feel ok I'm still tired but mentally I feel better as I did yesterday but today was horrible but I still manage to do a few things to keep occupied.I think my pdoc is at the end of her rope with me, I'm a tough patient I guess
tsohl
03-15-2007, 01:36 AM
Hello Hyper,
When an antidepressant medication is given to an unmedicated bipolar person, it can often push the person into hypomania, or even psychosis. However, in some people it can make a person even more depressed. Sounds like that may be what happened to you. If you are diagnosed bipolar, you need to be on a mood stabilizer to regulate your episodes before adding on other meds. I would suggest that you give Lamictal a try. You will be given a "starter pack" that will force you to increase your dosage very gradually. It does take awhile to reach a therapeutic amount, but most people do very well on it once that level is reached.
People always mention liver damage from the medications, but don't seem to be aware of the damage that occurs to parts of the brain in an unmedicated person with bipolar disorder. No medication is without side effects. You have to evaluate if it is more damaging to live with the ravages of manic-depression or to put up with some limited side effects.
Good luck!
Tsohl
When an antidepressant medication is given to an unmedicated bipolar person, it can often push the person into hypomania, or even psychosis. However, in some people it can make a person even more depressed. Sounds like that may be what happened to you. If you are diagnosed bipolar, you need to be on a mood stabilizer to regulate your episodes before adding on other meds. I would suggest that you give Lamictal a try. You will be given a "starter pack" that will force you to increase your dosage very gradually. It does take awhile to reach a therapeutic amount, but most people do very well on it once that level is reached.
People always mention liver damage from the medications, but don't seem to be aware of the damage that occurs to parts of the brain in an unmedicated person with bipolar disorder. No medication is without side effects. You have to evaluate if it is more damaging to live with the ravages of manic-depression or to put up with some limited side effects.
Good luck!
Tsohl