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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Spriggy on March 2, 2005, at 13:42:08
Regular doctor listened very well- even looked at all my notes (and the notes from the pdoc).
Doc concluded it is likely a form of Bipolar.
He didn't want to even attempt Lamictal. He said over half the time he prescribed it, people got the weird rash. He said it had too many side effects that concerned him.
So he prescribed Depakote 250 mg's taken twice a day. He said the "weight gain" shouldn't be a problem since I'm on a low dose. If it becomes a problem, we can go another route.
He said he has seen great success with this drug with many of his BP patients.
I don't know much about it; I did plague the pharmacist with questions but she said I likely will just notice I get sleepy- it shouldn't be anything too noticeable.
She mentioned it doesn't typically help depression but it should help mood instability along with any migraines or even sometimes pain (which I have neither).
She also said the weight gain tends to be at higher dosages and the hair falling out (although I have such a big thick head full, I don't know I would mind all that much), shouldn't be a problem at this dose either.
Anyone have experience with this?I am basically drug paranoid at this point.
I'm going to take this before bed tonight so I don't stay awake waiting for reactions. ROFL
Posted by HappyGirl on March 2, 2005, at 14:13:00
In reply to Depakote is the drug of choice ..., posted by Spriggy on March 2, 2005, at 13:42:08
Hi Spriggy:
Having read your previous post, above, ... your Bipolar sounds like 'ultra rapid cycler,' means you have been experiencing several/few times a day, from depression, normal and hypomania, or vice versa. Needless to say, I have Bipolar II with ultra-rapid-cycler. Some saying this form of Bp is HARD to get a proper tx., but don't worry about anything, at this moment.My VERY first med. was 'Depakote' from 500 mg. to even 1500 mg., depending on my cycling and moods. It was a 'Miracle' med. for me, recalling that Depakote made my mood-swings lessen, ... but still I HAD Bp depression. Because, Depakote, no matter how much you are on, does NOT offer a good relief in terms of Bp depression. Then, probably you may need a 'good' anti-depressant along the road. However, you and your doc. needs to deal with your 'mood swings' first, ... 'one thing at a time' med. regimen without any 'risk' to take.
Lastly, if you're not happy about Depakote, there are more M.S.s to choose.
H.G.
Posted by Spriggy on March 2, 2005, at 14:28:33
In reply to Re: Depakote is the drug of choice ... » Spriggy, posted by HappyGirl on March 2, 2005, at 14:13:00
Thanks Happy Girl.
I wonder if my mood swings and anxiety were totally under control, if my depression would follow suit?
Does anyoen know if it's safe to take cut the Depakote in half- it says Depakote 250mg DR.
I know if it's immediate release you can't cut it in half, but I would like to go very sloooow on this. Maybe trying out with 125 mg's at first.
Posted by HappyGirl on March 2, 2005, at 15:52:59
In reply to Re: Depakote is the drug of choice ..., posted by Spriggy on March 2, 2005, at 14:28:33
Hi Spriggy:
>>> I wonder if my mood swings and anxiety were totally under control, if my depression would follow suit? <<<
--- In the beginning of my Depakote regimen, I had NO anxiety problem whatsoever, however Anxiety started to creep in as the time went by. In my guess, ... Anxiety is certainly related to Bp depression. However, in my case, ... the higher Depakote dosage, around 1,000 mg. probably controlled Anxiety pretty well, because the Depakote has efficacy on both 'mood swings' and 'Anxiety,' due to 'sedating effectiveness,' that was my experience, although every details on this, I can not remember.
One thing you and your doc. needs to do FIRST is, as in my previous post, needs to control 'mood swing' first. After seeing some improvement on your mood-swings, possibly your doc. rx some sort of anti-depressant suitable to your system and conditon. Because, unlike 'unipolar,' it's tough for anyone to challenge Bp depression. Knowing this fact, the doc.'s rx's the Depakote first which is good for both 'mood swing' and 'ultra cycler.'
To be frank and honest, ... there is NO 'short-cut' in regard to Bp tx., then patience and med. compliance is critical.
In regard to 'cutting one 250 mg. tab. in half,' ... I never heard/read, ... but in that 'tininest' dosage, I seriously double any efficacy on your Bp condition. My very first-day on Depakote was the 500 mg. that lifted my mood quite well. If you'd still think of this, a tiniest dosage, you may call to your doc. whether you can do or not.
H.G.
Posted by Phillipa on March 2, 2005, at 17:08:45
In reply to Re: Depakote is the drug of choice ... » Spriggy, posted by HappyGirl on March 2, 2005, at 15:52:59
Hi Spriggy, I certainly can understand why you want to cut the pill in half and try that first. This Board really has made me afraid to try meds also. I would try the half pill first. Then you will know if it's going to affect you negatively. When you have the confidence, then take the rx'd doseage. Just check with the pharmacist to make sure you can cut it in half. I always thought the immediate release could be cut as they are supposed to dissolve in the stomach, and the long acting version shouldn't be cut as they are supposed to be absorbed in the intestine. I really hope it works for you. Did you try to change your name so you could receive Babblemail? Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Spriggy on March 2, 2005, at 18:25:56
In reply to Re: Depakote is the drug of choice ..., posted by Phillipa on March 2, 2005, at 17:08:45
I talked with the pharmacist and she said, " NO YOU CAN NOT cut those pills in half." something about eneric coating.
She also said that 250 mg's was a really, really low dose and I shouldn't worry. She said, " It might make you a little bit sleepy, that's all."
Of course, knowing me, I'll wake up and have grown a beard instead of having my hair fall out.
So.. I'm going to be a "big girl" and take my medication but I'll wait until right before bed.
That way my hubby is home with me and I can sleep off any anxiety waiting for a reaction. ROFL
If you don't hear from me by tomorrow, call for help. j/k
Posted by Phillipa on March 2, 2005, at 19:08:14
In reply to Re: Depakote is the drug of choice ..., posted by Spriggy on March 2, 2005, at 18:25:56
I wish you would receive Babblemail so I could contact you. If you're also taking restoril, you will sleep "like a baby". Pleasant dreams. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by shoebox on March 3, 2005, at 6:59:02
In reply to Re: Depakote is the drug of choice ... » Spriggy, posted by HappyGirl on March 2, 2005, at 15:52:59
My experience with Depakote was similar to the others; it was great for anxiety and made me feel mellow, but ultimately I still went through the BP depressions and had to look for alternatives. (That was when I went on Lamictal.)
FWIW, Depakote made me absolutely RAVENOUS. I had just come out of a long hypomania (and finally gotten the BP2 Dx after 12 years on ADs), and was thin as a rail. I figured I could eat whatever i wanted, and Boy, did I ever. We're talking entire cakes in one sitting. Next thing I knew I'd gained 20 pounds, and FAST. I continued ballooning until I couldn't stand the way I looked anymore and insisted on a change.
I never fully regained my former sveltitude, but at least I'm not a lunatic now.
Posted by Spriggy on March 3, 2005, at 10:55:11
In reply to Re: Depakote is the drug of choice ... » HappyGirl, posted by shoebox on March 3, 2005, at 6:59:02
What dose were you on when you noticed the hunger changes?
My doctor swears that with my dose being low, I shouldn't gain weight but I don't knwo if I believe it or not.
I don't mind gaining about 10 pounds, but anything over that, will just not work!
Posted by shoebox on March 3, 2005, at 12:18:59
In reply to Re: Depakote is the drug of choice ..., posted by Spriggy on March 3, 2005, at 10:55:11
> What dose were you on when you noticed the hunger changes?
>Well, it's been a few years, so this is just a guess, but my dosage had gone up past 1000mg--maybe 1200? maybe more--and I went down to 600 or so in an effort to stop the gorging, but then I started to feel like crap again.
Honestly, I have to say it was basically immediate, the hunger change, but I had also been very manic prior to that and was not eating anything. Why eat?? I'm MANIC!!! WOO HOOOOOO!!!
I started on Depakote in June, and by September I had gone from a size 6 to a 10--We're talking rapid.
My pdoc also said, "Well, it's not supposed to cause weight gain..." when he prescribed Depakote. (How many times have we heard that??) If I had had ANY IDEA what it would do, I would never have agreed to try it. I'm still overweight and I hate it.
Posted by Spriggy on March 3, 2005, at 15:31:10
In reply to Re: Depakote is the drug of choice ... » Spriggy, posted by shoebox on March 3, 2005, at 12:18:59
Well, I wonder then if I just take the 250 mg's if I will notice weight gain?If I do, I will quickly stop it and have the dr. try something else.
I have worked over 2 years to drop 20 pounds from having my second son.
I ain't about to take ONE pill and pile it back on.
If I'm gonna get fat, it will be because of eating at Sonic and having lots of chocolate cake.
It ain't gonna be for no stinkin' pill. ROFL
Posted by Phillipa on March 3, 2005, at 17:27:33
In reply to Re: Depakote is the drug of choice ..., posted by Spriggy on March 3, 2005, at 15:31:10
How did the Depakote make you feel last night, and today? Any side effects. I hope not. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Spriggy on March 3, 2005, at 18:01:57
In reply to Re: Depakote is the drug of choice ... » Spriggy, posted by Phillipa on March 3, 2005, at 17:27:33
ha ha Phillipa..
Remember how I said I was drug paranoid?
Well, I have put off taking it until my husband is home all weekend. Plus, I have a speaking engagement this Sunday for a church service so I am considering waiting until after I have completed my obligations.Does that make sense?
Yeah.. I'm a big whimp but at least I'm not in denial. ROFL
Posted by Phillipa on March 3, 2005, at 18:24:01
In reply to Re: Depakote is the drug of choice ..., posted by Spriggy on March 3, 2005, at 18:01:57
That's exactly what I would do. I have always put off any drug change until an event is over and my husband can be with me. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Minnie-Haha on March 3, 2005, at 19:44:35
In reply to Depakote is the drug of choice ..., posted by Spriggy on March 2, 2005, at 13:42:08
I was on Zoloft when I got my BP2 DX and was switched from Zoloft to Depakote plus Effexor. The combo was effective but I gained 30 pounds in less than 2 years. I also started having menstrual problems and eventually got anemic. When I switched from Depakote to Trileptal, I started to lose weight. That was my experience, FWIW.
This is the end of the thread.
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