Depakote, Effexor, and Concerta..making me sick! - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

lovekennedy · 10-20-2004, 01:21 PM

OK! I was diagnosed with A.D.D. several times during my youth, but my parents (being religious) do not believe in A.D.D. or depression or anything like that, so they attempted to "pray" away my disease. So...when I reached the prime age of 18, I decided to get reevaluated and get on medicine. Oh how it changed my life, you'd be surprised what adderol can do to someone with A.D.D. Anyways, as most of you know...you have to go back to the doctor every month to get your prescription refilled, and my doctor suggested that I go to a psychiatrist. Mainly because I have a semi serious panic and anxiety disorder, and adderol supposidly makes this worse. Well, he diagnosed me as being BIPOLAR. I would have never thought that. I am not depressed, but I do have mood swings (mainly because of my anxiety). Anyways, the medication he put me on is making me really tired, and I feel just plain crappy. It feels as if I have lost my creative edge, and my whole world is moving slowly in black and white. I don't like the way this medicine makes me feel. I need way too much sleep. My anxiety has gone away, but that is mainly because I feel complacent. And the medicine makes me sick. Tell me if this combination is weird. IF ANYONE KNOWS...REPLY TO ME PLEASE!!!!!!!

Concerta ER (36 mg, once a day)
Effexor XR (150mg, once a day)
Depakote ER (500mg, twice a day)

Thank you much.

mudhound · 10-20-2004, 07:31 PM

welcome to the board. It is good to have you here. Others may know more about the feeling that you are going through. My wife is BP and she has been drugger out several times. I see your pain. My wife fell into a closet one day and could not get out. BAD!

analog2000 · 10-20-2004, 11:23 PM

Your combo is not "weird," but it apparently isn't working for you. How long have you been on it? It can take several weeks or months for side effects to diminish and the meds to reach their full effectiveness.

If after this happens, you are still not happy with your results, talk to your doc! As you have already learned the possible med combos are almost unlimited. With trial and error (maybe a lot) you can find the right combo for you. Everyone is different in what works and what doesn't.

Remember the difference you felt before and after adderall? This could be the same thing, so don't give up.

Good luck.

mudhound · 10-21-2004, 04:24 AM

yes indeed! Do not give up! The wife is doing loads better now. She is still sick but not as bad. The side effects do sometimes go away or lessen. Talk to your dr about them. Make a list of them so you can recall them quickly. Those 3 miniute visits are short.

lovekennedy · 10-21-2004, 01:22 PM

i've only been on them for a week. Today I feel much better.. Can they already be working or am I imagining it? However, I keep on yawning, and I am so tired. Plus it seems like I have lost my edge. Not sure if it is worth it.

Sometimes it gets so frustrating, makes me feel like: "Maybe there isn't anything wrong with me. Tough it up. Tough it UP!" Just like with my ADD, but then again, I can't function without my adderol, even if I try.

Anyone know how long it takes before you start seeing results?

Thank you again.