Posted by cache-monkey on April 24, 2005, at 1:35:52
In reply to Re: Depression on Depakote? » cache-monkey, posted by HappyGirl on April 23, 2005, at 23:44:35
Hey HappyGirl,
I'm going up to 1000 mg tomorrow. If it's clear that I'm feeling even worse, I'm going to ask my doctor about Seroquel. It tested well recently for the depressive and anxious symptoms among bipolars. The sleep thing might be a plus -- as I mentioned in another thread, I've noticed that I'm actually sleeping lighter on the Depakote.
The one worry is whether an atypical AP can really be a long-term solution for a bipolar, with the risks of diabetes, etc.
In the mean time, I guess I'll just keep pushing the dose.
Thanks as always for the input,
cache-monkey> Hi:
> Probably, you already read on this board and others in terms of Depakote-efficacy on Bipolar, the Depakote has NO strong anti-depressant effect. I'd say, however, through my 'personal' experience, the Depakote has CERTAINLY calming effect to quiet down your dysphoric and other bad-side 'hypomanic' episodes. Paticularly it has a good effect on Anxiety brought on by either depressive side of Bp or itself.
>
> In my 'good' guess, .... you possibly need an anti-depressant along with Depakote ER, 750 mg, if the problem is persistent. As you know, nowadays most of pdoc. put an anti-psycho. med. instead of any traditional mood-stabilizers without hesitation. One reason behind this practice is, in my knowledge, an A.P. is powerful enough to wipe out most of Bp symptoms as quick as possible. Then, if you'd choose this route/AP, you might NOT be too concerned about, because unlike the Depakote alone regimen, an AP, such as Zyprexa/small-dosage works both hypomanic and depressive Bp, as long as your Bp is NOT serious form. However, if your Bp is semi-serious form, you need the med. combo. in conjuction with an AP.
> H.G.
>
poster:cache-monkey
thread:488557
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050423/msgs/488645.html