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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dinah on March 27, 2004, at 21:50:32
In reply to depakote questions, posted by Ayla on March 26, 2004, at 1:31:51
Originally posted by Ayla 3/26/04
> First of all hello everyone, I hope you are all well. My dr. put me on depakote for my bipolar. i am already on 100mg a day of zoloft now i just started depakote today. I can't find alot of info on when this drug starts to work. i am wondering if it is like zoloft where it took nearly 2 months to start working. I realize it's probably different for everyone but if anyone could give me a general idea of when this will kick in and how it will make me feel. I am starting at 250 mg a day. One 250mg pill cut in 1/2 am and pm. If you know anything about this drug or would like to share you personal experience with it I would GREATLY appreciate it. Thanks soo much,
> ***Ayla***
Posted by HappyGirl on March 27, 2004, at 23:51:40
In reply to Re: depakote questions » Ayla, posted by Dinah on March 27, 2004, at 21:50:32
Hi:
Depakote was my VERY first med., without any other med. to add. Only Depakote med. regimen worked great at the beginnin, ... but its effectiveness didn't last forever.
In my case, I got a relief within just a few days, ... even almost next day. Because, I have Bipolar II with 'ultra Rapid cycling.' On Depakote, 750 mg. per day, my symptom was greately reduced but still my depression was still there. In my recollection, I needed 'anti-depressant' with Depakote. Then, your med. regimen, Zoloft and Depakote sounds to me like a good med. combo.
In regard to side-effects, Depakote, 750 mg. divided three times a day, 250 mg. each from morning to bedtime, made me so thirsty that I needed to drink a ton's of liquid, mostly 'just plain water.' I didn't gain weight like other Depakote takers compalining, although my appetite was in healthy/normal range,... the same as before dx'ed with Bp. I didn't lose hair on my head, except just few strands, here and there upon taking a shower in the morning.
However, after two years on Depakote, its effectiveness faded away, then I'm now on different med. combo. and quite happy about the current med. regimen rxed by the good pdoc. that has been offerring me tremendous peace and happiness.
H.G.
Posted by Dinah on March 28, 2004, at 11:52:17
In reply to Re: depakote questions » Ayla, posted by Dinah on March 27, 2004, at 21:50:32
I've been on Depakote at 125 mg (and they do make 125 mg pills - they're coral colored) for years and find that it's just right for me.
Any more and I feel thick and sluggish, any less and I can definitely tell a difference in mood stability.
My migraine doctor wants me to up it though, for migraine prophylaxis.
Posted by lauram on March 28, 2004, at 13:27:49
In reply to Re: depakote questions » Dinah, posted by Dinah on March 28, 2004, at 11:52:17
I started on Depakote 1250mg 10 months ago. I noticed immediate relief within a day or so after an agitated manic phase. I am now going off of this med and changing over to Lamictal. I am now at 200mg of Lamictal and 250mg Depakote and will be off it as of next week.
I have a question regarding hair changes for those who have had this problem. I lost a lot of hair and the texture changed. Has anyone experienced this problem and how long did it last after stopping this med?
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 29, 2004, at 18:39:40
In reply to Re: depakote questions » Ayla, posted by Dinah on March 27, 2004, at 21:50:32
Posted by Ayla on March 27, 2004, at 23:39:05
Thanks for the info. everyone. It sounds like maybe depakote is supposed to be used short-term but I think my doc. wants me on it long-term since she first gave me 60 pills and plans on upping my dosage in a month. I'm glad to hear it works to some extent anyway. So thanks again all.
***Ayla***
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