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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jktaddi on November 26, 2000, at 22:33:35
Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. For the last 10 months, I have tried at least 6 different medications to no avail (Lithium was the first). I appartantly don't tolerate medications very well and have severe side effects. Depakote, thus far, has proven to be the most helpful. The only side effect I am experiencing is drowsiness. Sometimes mild, sometimes not. Is there something I can do or take to counter-act this effect? I'm not ready to give it up, yet I have 2 small children and need to be alert (I'm now drinking almost 2 pots of coffee a day to keep awake). Please help!? Thank you!
Posted by Ted on November 28, 2000, at 10:45:57
In reply to Depakote, drowsiness., posted by jktaddi on November 26, 2000, at 22:33:35
Hi jktaddi,
I had the exact same problem with depakote. Here is what I did: You probably have to take 2 doses per day, so take one with lunch and the other at bedtime. That way, during the morning, you are as alert as possible. Do this for probably 1 year until you get used to the medication. Then you can switch to AM & PM dosing to keep the valproate level more constant throughout the day.
Also, make sure you get blood tests done regularly to make sure your liver is OK and to make sure your valproate level is OK. The latter is to make sure you aren't taking too much!
Even now, 18 months after starting depakote, I feel a little drowsy all the time, but only a little. I also recommend you avoid the caffeine and try to get *AS MUCH SLEEP AS POSSIBLE*. I now try to sleep 9 hours per night, so I simply am not tired when I wake up. Even with morning depakote, I can go all day, but I really run out of steam at 9:30 pm. :-)
Ted
> Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. For the last 10 months, I have tried at least 6 different medications to no avail (Lithium was the first). I appartantly don't tolerate medications very well and have severe side effects. Depakote, thus far, has proven to be the most helpful. The only side effect I am experiencing is drowsiness. Sometimes mild, sometimes not. Is there something I can do or take to counter-act this effect? I'm not ready to give it up, yet I have 2 small children and need to be alert (I'm now drinking almost 2 pots of coffee a day to keep awake). Please help!? Thank you!
Posted by jktaddi on November 28, 2000, at 16:39:12
In reply to Re: Depakote, drowsiness., posted by Ted on November 28, 2000, at 10:45:57
Hi Ted,
Thanks for the advice! I'll try to cut back on the coffee, and move my "am" dose to the afternoon. Do you think the delayed release pills would work? Something to ask the doctor...
Thanks again,
jktaddi
Posted by Ted on November 29, 2000, at 10:56:40
In reply to Re: Depakote, drowsiness., posted by jktaddi on November 28, 2000, at 16:39:12
Hi jktaddi
>Do you think the delayed release pills would work?
No -- they are a marketing ploy (I used to work for Abbott Labs!) The regular depakote IS delayed release. Granted, the Depakote ER gives a more constant release, regular depakote is good enough as it is. Besides, you really don't want the drowsiness to last, do you? With the regular stuff, it will hit you then pass. This stuff takes time to get used to, but it seems to work fairly well for me as well.
One last thing since you are new to depakote: Read as much as you can about drug interactions. This is nasty stuff, and you should be aware of its potential problems.
Ted
This is the end of the thread.
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