Psycho-Babble Medication | about biological treatments | Framed
This thread | Show all | Post follow-up | Start new thread | List of forums | Search | FAQ

Re: To SDJeff....*important*//SLS » HappyGirl

Posted by SLS on April 26, 2004, at 16:47:08

In reply to Re: To SDJeff....*important*//SLS, posted by HappyGirl on April 26, 2004, at 15:03:32

Hi H.G.

> I lost almost everything for BP

I haven't read many of your posts, so I don't know anything about your history or experience with BP. I can certainly relate personally with the pain and frustration you suffered from having your life ripped away from you by mental illness.

> ... but now I finally was 'able' to recover the life I missed.

I am very glad that you have found what you needed to recover from mental illness and build your life anew.

> I did take just/normal dosage 750 mg. every day, about a year after dx'ed Bp, ... just Depakote med. alone.

750mg is at the low end of the therapeutic range for treating bipolar disorder. It really depends on how your system manages the drug and the blood levels that result. For bipolar disorder, this is between 50 and 125 mcg/ml. Many people need 1500-2000mg to obtain this.

> However, looking back now, 750 mg. Depakote just offerred me 'a relief,' but *not* in 'functional state.'

This is often the case when treating depression with Depakote, particularly when it is used alone as monotherapy. It was only partially effective for me against depression. It just wasn't the right drug for me.

> Then, there is a *big* difference between 'being functionable' and 'a relief.'

I know. I am having a difficult time finding the right treatment for me right now, so I know how you feel.

> In order to being functionable, I personally *not* recommend this med., Depakote for any serious form of M.I., ... but just 'add/assistance' type to other potent med., like APs.

For some people with bipolar disorder, Depakote alone can stabilize their mood and prevent both depression and mania from recurring. It can be a powerful anti-manic drug by itself. For a resistant depression, however, it is usually necessary to take an antidepressant along with it. I would not want to characterize Depakote as a "just add/assistance" type of drug. It is not a "weaker" drug than the others. It is just different and performs a different function. For many people, it is the magic key that, in concert with the other drugs they are taking, brings them into remission and full functionality. It seems that Depakote is not the right drug for you and me, but it is for many, many others.

Stay well.


- Scott

 

Thread

 

Post a new follow-up

Your message only Include above post


[340288]

Notify the administrators

They will then review this post with the posting guidelines in mind.

To contact them about something other than this post, please use this form instead.

 

Start a new thread

 
Google
dr-bob.org www
Search options and examples
[amazon] for
in

This thread | Show all | Post follow-up | Start new thread | FAQ
Psycho-Babble Medication | Framed

poster:SLS thread:339494
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040423/msgs/340288.html