Posted by Mitch on September 4, 2001, at 10:16:43
In reply to Re: how does depakote make you feel?, posted by Ignatz on September 4, 2001, at 8:32:54
> I don't have a bipolar diagnosis, but my depressions have been very anxious and I'm pretty hyper the rest of the time, maybe slightly hypomanic at times... Anyway-- I've been on SSRIs for 10 years, Zoloft and then Effexor, and I think they may be pooping out somewhat. My p-doc gave me Depakote 1500 mg a few months ago when I was starting to feel depressed, and it's been very useful. Within 2 or 3 days I felt centered again... I haven't been quite as hyper as I usedta be, but my emotions aren't flattened. my mood is good, I haven't gained any weight. Some hair is falling out, but not enough to be noticeable. So I think it might be acting as a "kicker" for the flagging SSRI as well as a mood stabilizer.
> Odd how people's mileages vary-- years ago I was on lithium and tricyclics and the lithium didn't seem to do squat.There seem to be a lot of people that get an antidepressant benefit from Depakote. There also is a range you need to get into for the AD effect to kickin from what I am reading from yourself and others. I haven't read anybody saying their depression being helped that was taking less than 1000mg/day. Maybe my own problem is the ADHD I have with bipolarII. The Depakote has a prominent GABA enhancing effect, and very much of that makes me quite inattentive. I take Klonopin (just .5mg divided/day), and I can't take more than a 1/4 tab if I am at work or I am blitzed.
poster:Mitch
thread:77263
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010902/msgs/77671.html