Posted by Chloe on February 6, 2002, at 17:47:05
In reply to Re:depakote/insomnia! » Chloe, posted by Ritch on February 3, 2002, at 9:56:01
> I suppose it is entirely possible that Depakote might cause insomnia-but I really doubt it. If your pdoc wants you to stay at 250mg-I'd stick with it and see how it goes. If it doesn't seem to be "helping" you sleep that much-you might try your idea of splitting the dose 12 hrs. apart-taking one tab at bedtime and the the other at midday the next day. I didn't get very fatigued on Depakote until I got to 500mg/day. But, I still had trouble with munchies at *any* dose.
>
> Gee, I wonder if your amitriptyline dosage *decrease* from 20mg > 10mg at bedtime might have something to do with it?
>
> BTW, I'm trying one gelcap at lunch (that contains about 1G of Omega-3) now and I don't notice any significant reflux like I did with the fish oil. Of course, it may do NOTHING, but that's ok.
>
> MitchHey Mitch,
I think the depakote is finally starting to "kick in." Just the last two nights or so I have been sleeping more soundly and longer, which is nice. I must have really been in a very agitated state. Because now I am starting to feel quite "mellowed" which is a nice change from anger and constant irritation.
You were right about not needing the Neurontin as often. However, I find if I skip my 5pm dose, around 8 pm I start to get the shakes and sweats...But my next dose is around 10:30 or 11pm. So I wonder how to manage this one. If I should just keep taking it at 5p or what...I have tried to talk to my pdoc about dosing of meds and timing to avoid scalp pain etc. No response, or some weird answer that is totally not what I asked. I am afraid she is very busy. I am just so glad I have the meds, and I can try to figure out the best dosing for my needs. But it sure is trial by fire!
For example, I started taking all 250 dep. hs since I was sleeping better, and with in 24 hours I got increased burning scalp. So either I should wait it out, and see if my body adjusts to the whole dose at one time, or divide it at supper and hs. My thought was maybe I need to bump up the ami for a couple of days to quiet the nerves in my scalp. But not stay at 20mgs for more than a few days or a week. I don't want the AD effect to kick in and start the cycling and rages again. Any thoughts on this one?
I really have to wonder though: Why is it, when I take a the right amount of meds for my brain/stability, my scalp and skin start to burn? It is just NOT fair. Mood stabilizers are really hard on my body. I really have trouble tolerating them for any length of time. But I have to find a way to stay compliant this time. All these meds changes have taken a toll. I want to stay on this for a good long while...
How are you doing in the pstim department? I will check the other thread to see how you are doing with the flaxseed oil. I added that to my fish oil and I love it. Much more palliable. I think I will switch over.
Thanks
Chloe
poster:Chloe
thread:90799
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020131/msgs/93104.html