Depakote withdrawal - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

jasongeathers · 12-19-2006, 01:58 PM

Hello, I am currently taking depakote ER 250mg per day. I want to get off this medicine. My doc says its ok to stop but I would like to know what to expect as far as withdrawal goes. I have been on it for a year. Thank you.

foreveralone · 12-20-2006, 03:53 AM

I wish I could help. I could only stay on it for a max of 2 wks LOL.

Are you going to go on another med? Sometimes that helps.

Good luck!

Love, Lori

cstep · 12-21-2006, 03:58 PM

I am taking depakote 1000mg aday and I have stopped before-I went down to 500 then stopped. I never had any withdrawal symtoms, but your bipolar symtoms and your mood swings come back rather quickly-so if you do stop, make sure to have another stabillizer to replace it-good luck.

jasongeathers · 12-21-2006, 08:24 PM

Thank you very much for your help.

jgr01 · 12-23-2006, 10:34 AM

Hi there,

I've been on it for 6 years; started on 750mg; then recently had really bad episode due to many external factors, which as everybody knows contributes to your existing condition, and now i'm on 2000mg. The blinking side affects were horrendous but I'm stable now with no nausea, no weight gain (it's now coming off even) no drowsiness. What I do know is that they like to up you really quickly and take you down really quickly. Also, the sad fact is that for the majority of BPD sufferers, once on a stabiliser, always on one. The prevalence of a manic attack or depression is drastically increased. A change in life style, less stressful job, sleep, food, no caffiene, alcohol, etc etc. is really the only way to try and manage either on or off medication. Plus really good therapist, psychiatrist, friends and family (if you haven't already lost them! I mean that tongue in cheek). Let us know how you go on.

merry Christmas

Juliet x