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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Greg on August 28, 2000, at 19:48:51
All,
I started on Depakote today for Bipolar II. I'd appreciate anyone with experience/input/advice filling me in on what to expect with it. I know it's your personal experience and MMMV.
As always, it is appreciated.
Peace,
Greg
Posted by judy1 on August 30, 2000, at 18:26:57
In reply to Started on Depakote, any advice?, posted by Greg on August 28, 2000, at 19:48:51
Greg,
Is it for a hypomanic state? If so, it works great. For me it worsened depression, and at doses that brought my blood level above 80 made me nauseous and depressed- but certainly not manic. Of the big 3- lithium, tegretol and depakote, I think depakote has the lowest side-effect profile. Try to have your pdoc keep your blood levels around 50 and maybe this will be the one for you. I wish you all the best- Judy
Posted by Greg on August 30, 2000, at 18:42:31
In reply to Re: Started on Depakote, any advice?, posted by judy1 on August 30, 2000, at 18:26:57
Hi Judy,
Thanks for responding! I'm taking it for Bipolar II, rapid cycling, mood swings, all that fun stuff... I'm curious, what dose did you start at? My pdoc started me at 750mgs a day. Some have told me that sounds high. What do you think? I've been really nausous and anxiety is thru the roof. I'm a little worried.
I hope this finds you doing well.
Greg
> Greg,
> Is it for a hypomanic state? If so, it works great. For me it worsened depression, and at doses that brought my blood level above 80 made me nauseous and depressed- but certainly not manic. Of the big 3- lithium, tegretol and depakote, I think depakote has the lowest side-effect profile. Try to have your pdoc keep your blood levels around 50 and maybe this will be the one for you. I wish you all the best- Judy
Posted by judy1 on August 31, 2000, at 1:48:59
In reply to Re: Started on Depakote, any advice? » judy1, posted by Greg on August 30, 2000, at 18:42:31
Hi Greg,
750mgs/day is about right, but of course it depends on what your blood levels turn out to be. When I was hospitalized with a manic episode I was given a loading dose of 2000mgs and gradually tapered down. Have you been dxed with an anxiety disorder? If so, klonopin works fairly well and some pdocs feel it also has mood stabilizing qualities. The nausea should abate as your body acclimates; let me know what your blood levels turn out to be. Also depakote has recently been forced to post a warning about possible pancreatitis complications (which can be fatal), so another incentive to be monitored and also discuss the symptoms with your pdoc. Take care.
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