Posted by catmint on January 23, 2003, at 22:43:52
In reply to New to Depakote-Can someone tell me how it works?, posted by juanantoniod on January 23, 2003, at 20:13:42
Antonio,
Depakote is an anti-siezure drug that is primarily used for epilepsy but is also used as a "mood stabilizer" for bipolar disorder. It is more correctly an anti-manic med and does not treat depression in the slightest,and in fact can, and often make depression worse. The reasoning behind all this is that if you prevent the manic episode, then no depression can follow. Hence, no cycling, no mood swings.
My experience with Depakote is that it does help with mania and anxiety. It can mellow you out to the point of over-sleeping. It also made my depression worse. Another side effect is stomach upset and weight gain (or loss, depending on the individual).
I'm wondering why your pdoc is putting you on this unless he is sure that you are bipolar? I've heard of Lamictal for unipolar depression, which incidentally is far superior to Depakote. Is he prescibing it for anxiety?
Use the search engine on this sight and you will get plenty of info. on Depakote.
I hope you feel better soon.
Amy
poster:catmint
thread:137244
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030119/msgs/137264.html