Posted by catmint on September 19, 2004, at 2:22:36
In reply to Re: Bipolar Disorder Question. Can You Help Me?, posted by HappyGirl on September 18, 2004, at 23:59:59
>>>>Depakote is one of 'best meds' for this type of Bipolar, since Depakote is good both manic and depressive episodes.
I have to disagree with this. Depakote alone will not relieve the depression in a Bipolar person who is primarily depressed, like Scott. In fact it can make it worse.
It is the first line of defense against acute mania. But since Scott has never had full-blown mania, it probably won't do anything for his depression.
I have been on this board for over 3 years and have never heard of a Bipolar II person on Depakote alone. There always has to be an anti-depressant along with it.
As for personal experience, I am Bipolar, have experienced full blown mania, and suicidal depression in the past, when I was in my mid-twenties. I am now 38 and doing much, much better, although I continue to have low-grade depression about 80% of the time.
I have tried Depakote, it is great for irritability, and helped me sleep, but did absolutely nothing for my depression.
What has been the best med for my depression is, hands down, Lamictal. I too had a rash in the beginning and stopped but I was so impressed by the anti-depressant effect that I gave it another go, this time titrating very slowly, like 12.5 mg. to start. Lamictal comes in very small doses for children.
Scott, could you by any chance give Lamictal another try. How did you start last time? You really do have to start with a very low dose.
Many people on this board have had great results from it.
poster:catmint
thread:392467
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040915/msgs/392523.html