Posted by blueberry on October 18, 2005, at 18:23:00
In reply to Just diagnosed, doc wants me on Depakote. Help!, posted by zefdie on October 18, 2005, at 17:10:50
My situation was very similar to yours...the good kind of hypomania in the past...but developed into a very distressing kind, racing mind, unable to sit still, feeling like I was going 1000mph, anxiety, depression, all mixed together at the same time. Mixed mania my doc called it. Her first choice was depakote, and I was just as wary as you are, but I gave it a shot.
500mg of depakote extended release. Talk about fast. I felt the mania ease off and the depression improve on the first day. In clinical trials, it usually works within 6 days. I've been on it for 3 weeks.
Two side effects for me...increased appetite, which was good...and actually a blah kind of mild depression that begins about 2 hours after dosing and lasts about 6 hours...I guess that's why it is usually taken at bedtime. Very mild headache at first.
I wouldn't be afraid of it. The cool thing is that if it isn't helping in a week or two, your trial with it is done. No long trial needed. Most people at 500mg have no side effects. More common doses are 1000mg to 1500mg, but 500mg is fine for me. Go with the extended release version because it is milder in terms of side effects. It is smoother.
poster:blueberry
thread:568610
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051017/msgs/568624.html