[leeniesma]

A week ago my Depakote dosage (which I had been on steadily for one year) was lowered due to my continued complaints of low energy and lack of interest in activities.... 4 days later it was like a living nightmare started. I started having weird thoughts about things like having no direction in the world, and how I didn't know who I was, and I needed to "find" myself - and then the anxiety started MAJOR! Couldn't breathe at times, and hands were very shakey. Took me a day to realize that it was probably the med change causing my problems. So I called the doctor and got the med changed back to where it was. I was wondering if anybody else has had this experience with Depakote, and how long it took to get back to normal once the dose was restored? I've been on the regular dose for only 2 days now, and it's still a nightmare. Thank you!

[kaliope]

hi leeniesma
i did not stay on depakote very long because i hated the way it made me forget what i was going to say. it would have me in tears. there are so many meds for bipolar that i made my docs change me over and over again until we found one that stabilized me and allowed me to feel normal at the same time. it wasnt the funnest way to live for a while but it was worth it. welcome to psych central. you will find we have several forums where you can post about your concerns and receive feedback from other members. you will get a lot of support here. again, welcome

[CANDC]

Hi leeniesma, I have no experience with Depakote, but a blog here at Psych Central says to minimize or eliminate coffee, nicotine, red bull, amphetamines, and other stimulants because they interfere with the medicine.

Here is link to that blog
blogs.psychcentral.com/.../laying-off-the-stimulants-coffee-caffeine-and-red- bull-too/

Glad you are joining us here. There are lots of compassionate people here that can make the load lighter by sharing and caring. Feel free to participate actively at Psych Central.

Some people find the forums give them the compassion and empathy they seek. http://forums.psychcentral.com

Please feel free to private message me or any of the Community Liaisons by left clicking on the name in blue to the left of their post) for questions or just to share.

[Ruftin]

Hello and welcome to Psych Central leeniesma!!! It's nice to meet you. You have joined a community of warm and caring members who will want to offer you support and advice. Yours is welcome as well.

Please feel free to contact any community liaison or moderator if you need help navigating the forums. It will take some time for your first five posts to appear as they are being evaluated and then you will be able to join chats.

I'm so sorry to hear you're struggling so much with your medication reduction. I've had similar short term experiences when I've forgotten to take my medications for a few days, enough to know how uncomfortable the feeling can be. I hope with continued use you can get back to your normal state and then perhaps your Dr. can switch it out for something that doesn't cause as much sedation. It's very important you drink lots of fluids while taking drugs like this one, as it helps your body metabolize and use the medication and helps prevent fatigue. Best wishes!!

I look forward to seeing you around!!!

[Row Jimmy]

I went up in my dose and it made me more angry and nauseous so I actually went back. I seem to be in between where they want me to be.