Any luck with Depakote?? - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

PinkLi · 10-27-2002, 09:25 PM

I've been diagnosed as having Panic Disorder and Major Depression in the past, but recently had a manic or hypomanic episode. I am now taking Lexapro (similiar to Celexa), Xanax, and just stared taking Depakote. I've been on the Depakote for almost a week. Anyone have any luck with it? I've been pretty depressed lately, and am really hoping for no more mania!

magnolia · 11-01-2002, 03:09 AM

as a rapid cycling bipolar, i cycled ever 3-4 days between mania and depression, depakote literally saved my life...however it did take months before i was finally stabilized on it...also be advised that hair loss is a side effect of depakote, so you may want to add zinc and selenium supplements with your daily meds...the zince and selenium will take about 30 days to build up enough in your system to become effective to stop the hair loss...so you may want to doing a little research on this and add it as soon as possible...i think i noticed i was losing my hair after around 2 weeks on depakote and the psychiatrist told me about adding the zinc and selenium...no other side effects of depakote...started off at 2000mg a day and after 2 years was finally down to 500mg a day...best wishes to you on depakote...

DenverGuy · 11-21-2002, 05:25 PM

D-Kote takes a while to get built up - it might take some time, like a couple of weeks. Alcohol doesn't help - it seems to inhibit since the medicine is metabolized in the liver, according to my doc. In my case, Ativan was a bridge to survive until my levels were high enough.

P

frankpop · 11-28-2002, 11:21 AM

I strongly relate to Magnolia. I've been on Depakote and (our old friend) Lithium for almost two years. Lifesavers! I had some pretty bumpy roads getting stabilized - spent a week in the hospital about 2 months after switching from paxil/lithium to depakote/lithium. But I've been doing great since then.

Best wishes, PinkLi . . .