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Re: New to Depakote-Can someone tell me how it works?

Posted by juanantoniod on January 24, 2003, at 19:56:26

In reply to Re: New to Depakote-Can someone tell me how it works? » juanantoniod, posted by catmint on January 24, 2003, at 13:26:35

Hi,

Forgive me if this already appeared. I thought I posted this reply but didn't see it so I wanted to make sure I get back to you. (Aaah isn't mental illness wonderful?)

Anyway, Amy, my dx is depression, major of course, with a little bit of anxiety and PTSD thrown in for good measure.

Admittedly, I don't think I *need* to be on Depakote, but a friend of mine who is bipolar takes it and I was envious of his being able to sleep and nap whenever he wanted. I found the research that showed recent treatment recommendations that people with treatment resistant depression should be on lithium. Lithium got converted to Depakote by my pdoc and there we are.

As "androog" said in the "Opiates" thread, there seems to be an unending combination of things they can 'try' for treatment resistant depression. I'm going to give this (Lexapro + Depakote and I'm already on Wellbutrin and Remeron, Concerta and Focalin) a try, and perhaps, Cymbalta, before going to ECT. However, given your success and that of others in this community with Lamictal, I may persuade my pdoc to rechallenge me on that med before having the ECT. If I get to that point and ECT doesn't work, I will then pursue voluntary euthanasia.

My depression seems to be similar to yours, with similar symptoms. Can you please tell me a little more about how Lamictal has changed your mood and state of mind?

Thanks again for the info!

Antonio

> Hi Antonio,
> What is your dx exactly?
> I've not head of lithium for treatment resistent depression. I highly doubt that will treat it. Depakote is better tolerated for sure, but keep in mind that these two meds are primarily *anti-manic* and that the theory I wrote about in my previous post about "prevent the mania, prevent the subsequent depression" does not hold any water, at least in my experience and many others I have talked to.
> If you have unipolar depression, I would suggest you stay away from Depakote or Lithium and give Lamictal another go.
> I too had the rash but it was because I started at too high a dose, 12.5 mg. This time I started at 2.5 mg! I have been slowly titrating and an now at 25 mg. after 7 weeks and absolutely no rash. It is a phenomenal drug for my depression which presents itself as low-energy, despair, irritability, and anxiety. I am still experiencing some anxiety but pdoc is benzophobic and that's another topic altogether!
> If you have anxiety, Depakote will work, but don't expect much else in terms of helping your other depressive symptoms. By the way, what are your main symptoms?
> Take care and I hope you find the right med. I know it takes a long time, be patient, you'll figure it out.
> Keep us posted,
> Amy
>


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poster:juanantoniod thread:137244
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030119/msgs/137386.html