Posted by super on December 6, 2000, at 15:44:45
In reply to Re: Depakote and coming off, posted by Ruth on December 2, 2000, at 21:25:47
Why don't you talk to your doctor about lowering your depakote dose? My depakote dose is below "therapeutic range" but it still works for me. I haven't gained any weight and I have been taking depakote for over a year. I think depakote does a good job as a mood stabilizer--and I exercise and watch what I eat so I won't gain weight.
Another alternative would be to approach the weight gain as a separate problem from the Depakote. Why not try all the things other people do when trying to loose weight--dieting, exercise, if you are really overweight maybe you can get some kind of prescription for something that will help from your doctor.
It is easy to blame the medication for weight gain. I think some of the weight gain people complain about when on mood stabilizers might be related to not being manic anymore, eating more regularly, sleeping. People who are not on mood stabilizers also have problems with weight gain, and some people who are on mood stabilizers don't have these problems.
> I am considering coming off depakote. I do not look forward to headaches or tremors. I will see my dr. dec. 8 to see about this. meanwhile I have gone to a naturopathic and certified herbalist to help me come off the depakote. She tells me flower oils are good for manic bi-polar, so I am taking those. I have been on this vitamin and herb therapy for 2 wks. I will keep you posted as to the results. I am glad you are out there for me to confer with and here how you are doing and to find out your findings.
> Has anyone else taken any vitamin and herb therapy? Would like very much to hear about it. thank you, Ruth p.s. I have been taking 1000 mg of depakote a day for 2 mo. I have gained 15 to 20 lbs. and gone up one dress size, so I'm coming off it. I have had good results as far as my emotions go, my 1st blood level was 87 and I will hear about my 2nd dec. 8. Ruth
poster:super
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