Posted by DaveW on August 1, 2001, at 23:44:10
In reply to Re: Depakote for dysthymia? Else » Ignatz, posted by Else on August 1, 2001, at 18:59:45
Working in a mental health clinic I've noticed a large upswing in Depakote prescriptions as well as the diagnosis of bipolar disorder. I think there is often a rush to try new drugs for mental health problems, and it's understandable given the desperation people (including myself) feel who suffer from depression/bipolar/etc. I have thought about Depakote also for myself but I have heard mixed reviews--in general from the people I've talked to it works better for bipolar than unipolar. I've seen people with bonafide mania improve on it, but people who lack the mania (which again I think is being overdiagnosed) haven't seen much improvement. Again, based only on a few observations. In the meantime, I am also finding Prozac after 5 years not as effective, with more fatigue, so I am considering adding a stimulant but I tried Ritalin and it created too much anxiety so I am searching for something else. I had hoped Reboxetine (Edronax, Vestra) would be a possibility but from the posts I don't see too many people having much luck with it and I see where the FDA has delayed again approving it (By the way, if anyone knows why the FDA did not approve, I'd be interested to know). Great website and forum and it's helped me to feel less "alone" and "unique" with my own symptoms. Thanks for the input.
poster:DaveW
thread:72396
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010731/msgs/73016.html