[BlueFaith]

I've been on Depakote now for about 2 months as a mood stabalizer. I also take Seroquel at night along with the Depakote. But I really don't see where the Depakote is helping anything. I mean I don't see any change from before I was taking it up until now. Should I see any drastic changes from this medicine? What exactly is it's purpose? When they say mood stabalizer does that mean to help me control my mood swings (I am Bipolar 2)? Maybe I am just confused as to what this medicine is REALLY supposed to be helping me with. Maybe I don't see a big change but everyone else around me does. I just don't know!! LOL Anyone that could help me with this? Thanks!

-Jennifer-

[darkeyes]

I never like to say anything negative about a med that I had experience with, and how for some, may be helpful, but Depakote for me, was a "no go" situation, after that it took 2 rounds with different meds. (I'm Bipolar-II) and Lamictal has been the best for me, don't even need any adjunct meds. (anti-depressants) as needed before.
Just my personal opinion. My main thing is, "do not give up" there are other meds out there to "choose" from along with working with your pdoc on what's better suited for you.
I wish you lots of luck with this.

Sincerely,
DE

[kerria]

Hi,

About three years ago i took depakote for about three months. The same thing happened to me- i didn't notice that it did anything at all. i have DID . It didn't prevent or interfere with switching or do anything except i noticed that when i went on hikes i lost my balance on the trail easier. When my meds were out - i didn't bother to renew.

If you find that it's not helping enough you should ask dr for another. When you take Depakote you have to get liver function tests , that's a pain if it's not necessary and also means that it could be more risky? i don't know. but all meds have risks. Take what works and leave the rest.

Take care,
kerria

[jesseryn]

I'm Bipolar II as well, and I understand your frustration with the meds. I've been on Topamax & Lamictal for 2 months, and now added Provigil. I would recommend Lamictal if you get fed up with Depakote.

The mood stabilizer should control your mood swings, but since you've only been on it for two months it might take longer for the full "stabilizing" effects. The pDocs that I've been to seem to like to try drugs for a while before throwing them out; so as long as you're not experiencing bad side effects, or not feeling absolutely the same as when you started, I'd try to stick with it for a while longer.

First, what do YOU feel is wrong: what symptoms of bipolar are most impairing for you (depressive, implusive, lack of focus, irritability, manic, etc)? If you look up bipolar on this site, you can find more descriptions of symptoms under each pole (manic/hypomanic or depressive). Sometimes it helps to lay out everything that constitutes your personal "impaired" behavior, to see what should be improving. Do you track your moods or behaviors? Seroquel has a mood diary thing that you can download from the site (I know, supernerdy, but handy).
~Jessie

[BlueFaith]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I think I am going to give it a little more time just to see what happens. It's not giving me any BAD side effects, so I'm not just going to quit taking it. I'm gonna stick with it and see what comes of it. Again, thanks to everyone!

-Jennifer-

[darkeyes]

Good move, give it a chance, it is a good med for many, and in the begining of my DX it helped a whole bunch.
It is very smart of you to give it a chance. If it doesn't seem to help after 4-5 weeks, don't just stop it, be in contact with your pdoc, it may be that you will have to switch meds or a dosage adjustment, but don't drop out from being helped. I know it can be extremely frustrating, making one feel they want to call it quits, but please, do not.
I am sending you loads of wishes for good luck and perserverance (sp?) with this all.

Sincerely,
DE

[BlueFaith]

((((((((DE)))))))) Thanks for your kind words You are such a sweetheart.

Thanks also to (((Kerria))) and (((jesseryn)))!!

-Jennifer-

[inkblot]

You are right that Depakote can be used as a mood stabilizer. You say that you haven't noticed major changes, but those around you have. Why don't you ask those others who say they have notice big changes what they think has shown the most improvement? And then ask the pdoc about the specific purpose in prescribing it for you in the first place. It is a common Rx for bipolar disorders.

[ktp]

Jennifer:

It's great that you've decided to stick it out! Good for you. It's not easy though is it? I agree with Inky. Sometimes we can't see the improvements, but others definitely can. And also I have a brother that is schizophrenic w/ bipolar disorder and my cousin and aunt both have bipolar disorder, they all 3 have taken the med and it has done well for them.

Good luck!
Kimberly.

[Azalysa]

Hi, MP!

I'm new to this forum and don't know, since a couple of months have gone by, if you're still on the Depakote or not but will offer my experience:

My dx is Major Depression/Recurrent. I've been on Zoloft for years. I'm not sure how long after I began Zoloft that my pdoc put me on Depakote, but I have now been on it for years as well. (Depakote ER 500 mg)

My pdoc explained that my depression is "rapid cycling" so the addition of the Depakote was to stop or lessen the cycling. He also said that for that reason it is very often prescribed for Bipolar.

Interestingly, Depakote/Depakene was originally formulated for seizures and then somewhere along the way, someone discovered it worked with mood swings.

Feel free to pm me anytime!