Posted by katia on October 13, 2003, at 14:06:22
In reply to Re: Glug of D?? » katia, posted by nmk on October 13, 2003, at 12:01:46
Hi Nicole,
When you say rapid cycling, what do you mean? Mood swings within days of each other. Because that's definitely me. I'd say the Depakote helped me some, but not completely at all. I've either needed to augment with a full amount of Lamictal and/or at the same time up the Dep. to beyond 750mg. BUT, we never got to that stage because I wanted off Dep. I've been on it for maybe three months, well two 1/2 months. During which time I heard from this board (not my doctor mind you) that Depakote can cause Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), which can possibly lead to infertility as if the PCOS wouldn't be bad enough. One study done, I think it was as high as 40% of women on Dep. get this. (including those who take it for seizures). It might not be quite that high, but there is a chance. I'll see if I can find that study - and mind you it's just one study. I also am gaining a teensy amount of weight and not losing it and I need to lose at least ten pounds. If you can get on the XR version, than it helps in that dept.
It's been known for rapid cyclers as has been Trileptal and even Lithium, depending on who you talk to. As you already know, everyone's body chemistry is different with the interaction with meds. Talk to your doctor about it. It may work for you. i'm assuming you're another BPII? Does the Lamictal work on your depression? (I guess not from your post)
good luck and be well.
katia> Hi Katia,
>
> Barbara had suggested that Dep is good for rapid cycling...any comments? I am up to 225 mg of lamictal but am still cycling like crazy and currently in an awful funk. How did you feel on the Dep. and why did you decide to switch?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Nicole
>
poster:katia
thread:261445
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031010/msgs/268977.html