Posted by Ritch on April 16, 2002, at 12:51:23
In reply to Depakote dosage questions, posted by HMK on April 16, 2002, at 10:49:22
> I'm currently taking Effexor XR 75 mg, Neurontin 400 mg three times daily, Geodon 60 mg twice a day, and Valium as needed. As I've stated before on these boards, I'm bipolar II and have recently been having trouble with rapid cycling.
>
> I am thinking that Depakote would be a good idea (I've tried it before and gained a ton of weight)but don't want the side effect of weight gain. How low of a dose could be effective without weight gain? Is it even possible to take this stuff without gaining? I'm 100 lbs overweight now and can't afford to gain more- was considering Topamax but I'm studying to take the bar examination so I can't be dealing with brain fogginess. Have already tried Tegretol/Trileptal.
>
> Your imput is sincerely appreciated.
> Best wishes,
> Heather
Hi Heather,I *clearly* gained an easy 20+ lbs. on 500mg/day. I noticed *some* weight gain (a few pounds) on 250mg/day. You might squeak by without any noticeable weight gain on 125mg/day. Some of the "weight gain" I have on it really is edema (swelling-water retention). With your other meds it might work, who knows? Some of the weight gain on Depakote isn't all metabolic slowing-some of it is reduced hyperactivity and agitation (relief!), as a result of taking it-and yes the munchies. If you can avoid taking it in the morning-daytime and take it after you have eaten dinner in the evening up till bedtime might help.
Mitch
poster:Ritch
thread:103226
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020416/msgs/103241.html