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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by fiftylager on May 12, 2006, at 9:04:50
I have recently started lamictal but because my provincial drug plan doesn't cover it, my dr. is switching me to epival, as it is covered. Is epival, Depakote? I'm very worried about this because although I've just started (up to 37.5mg a day), I am noticing a bit of a response.
The dr. said if the epival isn't as effective he'll have a better chance of getting the gov't to cover my lamictal but I have to try this med first (basically to prove I am bipolar and need the med.)
Can anyone tell me what their experiences are on this med and common side effects? Also, it's really dumb because I am soppose to finish my bottle of lamictal then wait a few days and switch. This sounds scary to me. I guess maybe I'll just go back to 25 mg a day so I don't have major withdrawal symptoms, although I know I missed my pill by 3 hours and definitely felt it. Grrrr....why do meds have to be sooooo damned expensive. Any replies would be greatly appreciated!
Crissi
Posted by Lithia on May 13, 2006, at 10:04:20
In reply to Being switched to epival(depakote)... ?'s, posted by fiftylager on May 12, 2006, at 9:04:50
Hi Fiftylager,
Yes, Epival is the Canadian brand name for divalproate\depakote. What exactly are you worried about? I took it for a month at 750 mg day (standard dose for mania). At 37.5 mg I can't imagine that you would be experiencing any effect at all. 750 mg put me at the correct blood level in one week.
It did not work out for me (I have a reaction to it, very rare and it will not happen to you)and I have been switched to lithium. When you get to a higher dosage you can expect gastrointestinal distress. TAKE IT WITH FOOD!! It will help. Longterm effects most are concerned with are weight gain and hairloss but that is not something that will happen overnight.
To give it credit as much as I despise divalproate for the damage it did to me, it DID kick my mania in the *ss.
It's worth a shot. Good luck on the med go round.
Posted by fiftylager on May 13, 2006, at 13:55:43
In reply to Re: Being switched to epival(depakote)... ?'s, posted by Lithia on May 13, 2006, at 10:04:20
I am worried about the weight gain, feeling tired all the time, hair thinning and dwindling sex drive.
I've only been diagnosed for a month. I am on a starting dose of lamotrigine and seem to be doing okay. The reason they are switching me is because my provincial drug plan won't cover lamotrigine. I have more problems with depression than mania. When I have mania it's like a mixed episode. Depressed, but aggitated, racing thoughts, etc. I don't know if the depakote will help much with depression. To be honest I haven't read a lot of good about depakote and it worries me. I already have med phobia (due to SSRI's) and it was hard enough to take the lamotrigine although now I'm not scared of it.
I already sleep too much and I've heard depakote is sedating. I'm on a cholesterol diet and have lost a few pounds which makes me very happy. I'm not really overweight but I've had problems with seeing myself as overweight. I would be so upset if I gained weight. Thanks for your rely.
Crissi
Posted by Lithia on May 13, 2006, at 14:29:30
In reply to Re: Being switched to epival(depakote)... ?'s, posted by fiftylager on May 13, 2006, at 13:55:43
You are right about depakote being a downer. If depression is more your problem I would ask about another anticonvulsant, perhaps carbomazapine?
I'm on lithium now and it's less depressing than devalproate. That's another option. The road certainly does not end at divalproate.
This is the end of the thread.
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