Questions about bipolar - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

hyper79 · 03-14-2007, 05:55 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

michael178 · 03-14-2007, 06:25 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, 06:25 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, 06:27 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, 08:41 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!