Posted by Dear Ellen on January 31, 2000, at 13:12:09
In reply to Re: side effects of Depakote, posted by Ellen Brodie on January 31, 2000, at 6:01:39
I have the same dx as you. Nothing worked for me- and I certainly understand your feelings about lithium (besides it really doesn't work well in rapid cyclers, although as an add-on there are some reports of success). I assume you are not on any AD's. Before topiramate, try lamictal if you haven't tried it yet. Also you said you're tapering off of neurontin- did you try a therapeutic dose along with the depakote? I hate depakote, I found it to have a depressing effect- although that is not true for all. Are you bipolar 1? Is that why he wants at least a 75 level? If you just get hypomanic episodes, some pdocs feel a level closer to 50 is acceptable and that will take care of the nausea probably. I know how incredibly frustrating this is- I got so frustrated, I gave up on meds. (see earlier controversial posts). I do NOT recommend this as a course of action for everyone, I am on a very rough road right now. The upside is I haven't been hospitalized since I gave up psychiatrists and medications- either for mani or depression. I hope this all works out for you. Take care.
poster:Dear Ellen
thread:20068
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000128/msgs/20198.html