Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 2774

Shown: posts 1 to 25 of 42. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Alternative to Depakote

Posted by Joann on February 1, 1999, at 14:18:21

Is there a medicine that is like depakote, but it does not make you gain weight. I been off of the Depakote for about 3 weeks now, but I feel terrible. But I do not like the weight gain either. Can anyone advise? I see the doctor at the end of this month.

 

Re: Alternative to Depakote

Posted by Purple on February 1, 1999, at 18:35:06

In reply to Alternative to Depakote, posted by Joann on February 1, 1999, at 14:18:21

> Is there a medicine that is like depakote, but it does not make you gain weight. I been off of the Depakote for about 3 weeks now, but I feel terrible. But I do not like the weight gain either. Can anyone advise? I see the doctor at the end of this month.

I'm not a doc, but from I understand there's
several other mood stabilizers out there now:
tegretol, lamictal, neurontin, topamax (topomax?),
and maybe tiagabine(vigabatrin?). I guess
lithium would go in there, too.

 

Re: Alternative to Depakote

Posted by Craig on February 2, 1999, at 1:36:06

In reply to Re: Alternative to Depakote, posted by Purple on February 1, 1999, at 18:35:06

I quit taking Depakote in November because I'd
gained about 30 lbs while on it, so I understand
that concern. I was taking Depakote with Topamax.
My psychopharmacologist switched me to Gabitril
(tiagabine). He also considered putting me on
Lamictal. Are you bipolar also?

 

Re: Alternative to Depakote

Posted by Joann on February 2, 1999, at 19:53:55

In reply to Re: Alternative to Depakote, posted by Purple on February 1, 1999, at 18:35:06

> > Is there a medicine that is like depakote, but it does not make you gain weight. I been off of the Depakote for about 3 weeks now, but I feel terrible. But I do not like the weight gain either. Can anyone advise? I see the doctor at the end of this month.
>
> I'm not a doc, but from I understand there's
> several other mood stabilizers out there now:
> tegretol, lamictal, neurontin, topamax (topomax?),
> and maybe tiagabine(vigabatrin?). I guess
> lithium would go in there, too.

Thank you Purple for your list, too.

 

Re: Alternative to Depakote

Posted by Ken Edelston on February 6, 1999, at 17:07:04

In reply to Re: Alternative to Depakote, posted by Joann on February 2, 1999, at 19:53:55

> > > Is there a medicine that is like depakote, but it does not make you gain weight. I been off of the Depakote for about 3 weeks now, but I feel terrible. But I do not like the weight gain either. Can anyone advise? I see the doctor at the end of this month.

There is a recent study that found that Omega 3 fatty acids can be effective mood stabilizers. The easiest source of omega3s is flax seed oil. The recommended dose is 2 tablespoons per day. If you want more info, I can cite the study. Ken

 

Re: Alternative to Depakote

Posted by Theresa on February 7, 1999, at 18:30:12

In reply to Alternative to Depakote, posted by Joann on February 1, 1999, at 14:18:21

There are other anticonvulsants that you can try that may not cause weight gain. They include carbamazapine (Tegretol), lamotrigine (Lamictal), gabapentin (Neurontin), and topiramate (Topamax). The last three are relatively new anticonvulsants and haven't been approved for bipolar disorder or other psychiatric disorders, but they are being widely studied for those indications. Topamax in particular does not seem to cause weight gain. New data should be presented at the upcoming American Psychiatric Association meeting this May. Ask your psychiatrist to contact APA and he/she should be able to get the abstracts from the meeting. The APA's number is 202-682-6000.

 

Re: Alternative to Depakote

Posted by Elizabeth on February 10, 1999, at 17:00:42

In reply to Re: Alternative to Depakote, posted by Theresa on February 7, 1999, at 18:30:12

> There are other anticonvulsants that you can try that may not cause weight gain. They include carbamazapine (Tegretol), lamotrigine (Lamictal), gabapentin (Neurontin), and topiramate (Topamax). The last three are relatively new anticonvulsants and haven't been approved for bipolar disorder or other psychiatric disorders, but they are being widely studied for those indications. Topamax in particular does not seem to cause weight gain. New data should be presented at the upcoming American Psychiatric Association meeting this May. Ask your psychiatrist to contact APA and he/she should be able to get the abstracts from the meeting. The APA's number is 202-682-6000.

Tegretol actually was never approved for bipolar disorder either!

I know that at least some people *lose* weight on Topamax. I don't know what the clinical experience with it has been like so far, though. A lot of people gain weight on Depakote and lithium, and some seem to on Neurontin too. Don't think I've heard of anyone gaining weight from Lamictal.

 

Re: Alternative to Depakote

Posted by Theresa on February 11, 1999, at 21:40:32

In reply to Re: Alternative to Depakote, posted by Elizabeth on February 10, 1999, at 17:00:42

Dear Elizabeth -- you are correct that Tegretol was never approved for bipolar disorder. It's used so often for that indication, though, that it's hard to remember that. As for Topamax causing weight loss, that's only based on one small study that I know of (Dr. Susan McElroy, Cincinnati). I think the APA meeting will have a lot more data presented on Topamax for bipolar disorder that may clear that up.

It's a shame that so many of these agents for bipolar disorder cause weight gain, because I think a lot of people get off them for that reason and then aren't stabilized. Someday perhaps we'll have a targeted drug just for bipolar disorder (not approved for other indications) other than lithium! Wouldn't that be wonderful! (Drug companies, are you listening?) Theresa

> > There are other anticonvulsants that you can try that may not cause weight gain. They include carbamazapine (Tegretol), lamotrigine (Lamictal), gabapentin (Neurontin), and topiramate (Topamax). The last three are relatively new anticonvulsants and haven't been approved for bipolar disorder or other psychiatric disorders, but they are being widely studied for those indications. Topamax in particular does not seem to cause weight gain. New data should be presented at the upcoming American Psychiatric Association meeting this May. Ask your psychiatrist to contact APA and he/she should be able to get the abstracts from the meeting. The APA's number is 202-682-6000.
>
> Tegretol actually was never approved for bipolar disorder either!
>
> I know that at least some people *lose* weight on Topamax. I don't know what the clinical experience with it has been like so far, though. A lot of people gain weight on Depakote and lithium, and some seem to on Neurontin too. Don't think I've heard of anyone gaining weight from Lamictal.

 

Re: Alternative to Depakote

Posted by Elizabeth on February 16, 1999, at 22:57:58

In reply to Re: Alternative to Depakote, posted by Theresa on February 11, 1999, at 21:40:32

>Tegretol was never approved for
>bipolar disorder. It's used so often for that indication, though, that it's
>hard to remember that.

It is indeed, and very widely accepted. Although Peter Kramer relates a pretty funny story about how he decided to use Tegretol for a patient once (in _Moments of Engagement_).

>As for Topamax causing weight loss, that's only
>based on one small study that I know of (Dr. Susan McElroy, Cincinnati). I
>think the APA meeting will have a lot more data presented on Topamax
>for bipolar disorder that may clear that up.

Gosh, I wasn't even talking so much in terms of data as just "I know a few people who...." :-) Didn't know anyone was serious about Topamax as a bipolar drug.

>Someday perhaps we'll have a targeted drug just for
>bipolar disorder (not approved for other indications) other than lithium!
>Wouldn't that be wonderful! (Drug companies, are you listening?)

Don't hold your breath. Right now they have something (or other) going with the AEDs, and I've at least heard the claim that it's easier to get something approved for epilepsy (especially as "adjunctive treatment") than it is for manic-depression, so they just do that and then let the patients be the guinea pigs for bipolar.

Anyway, what do you think lithium is? :-) (Just for the record, I didn't gain weight on lithium.)

-elizabeth

 

Re: Alternative to Depakote

Posted by randy on February 17, 1999, at 16:05:04

In reply to Re: Alternative to Depakote, posted by Elizabeth on February 16, 1999, at 22:57:58

> >Tegretol was never approved for
> >bipolar disorder. It's used so often for that indication, though, that it's
> >hard to remember that.
>
> It is indeed, and very widely accepted. Although Peter Kramer relates a pretty funny story about how he decided to use Tegretol for a patient once (in _Moments of Engagement_).
>
> >As for Topamax causing weight loss, that's only
> >based on one small study that I know of (Dr. Susan McElroy, Cincinnati). I
> >think the APA meeting will have a lot more data presented on Topamax
> >for bipolar disorder that may clear that up.
>
> Gosh, I wasn't even talking so much in terms of data as just "I know a few people who...." :-) Didn't know anyone was serious about Topamax as a bipolar drug.
>
> >Someday perhaps we'll have a targeted drug just for
> >bipolar disorder (not approved for other indications) other than lithium!
> >Wouldn't that be wonderful! (Drug companies, are you listening?)
>
> Don't hold your breath. Right now they have something (or other) going with the AEDs, and I've at least heard the claim that it's easier to get something approved for epilepsy (especially as "adjunctive treatment") than it is for manic-depression, so they just do that and then let the patients be the guinea pigs for bipolar.
>
> Anyway, what do you think lithium is? :-) (Just for the record, I didn't gain weight on lithium.)
>
> -elizabeth

my experience with depakote was horrible. weight gain was demotivating. I now use neurontin and am very pleased. I am able to do my daily aerobics.
on depakote i was to sedated to want to exercise.
neurontin does not interfere with my life as much.
dont give up joann just because of the weight. Keep trying different meds untill you find one that is right for you.

 

Re: Alternative to Depakote

Posted by Theresa on February 19, 1999, at 11:51:03

In reply to Re: Alternative to Depakote, posted by Elizabeth on February 16, 1999, at 22:57:58

I know lithium is approved for bipolar disorder, but it only works in about 60% of patients. Also, it's not for patients with certain bipolar problems (I forget if it's mixed states or rapid cycling or both) that are common. Many people also don't like to take it because of the side effects that can occur with fluid balance, i.e., getting dehydrated if you get too hot. So I don't think lithium is a magic bullet by any means.

You're right about the drug companies approving anticonvulsants and then just letting patients be the "guinea pigs" for bipolar treatment. I have heard that Abbott is considering studying its newest anticonvulsant, tiagabine (Gabitril) for use in bipolar disorder, which would be a start, and would perhaps encourage other drug companies to sponsor trials of anticonvulsants for bipolar disorder. That way, we'd have a better grasp on efficacy, dosing, side effects, etc.

Some antispsychotics such as olanzapine (Zyprexa) are being studied for bipolar disorder for acute mania or mixed episodes, so that may be a start too.

I think it's important not to get discouraged. There are many drugs available in many combinations. some people have to try dozens of combinations before they find the right one. It's the pits, but right now, that's the best medicine has to offer. It's a shame when you consider all the advances in other diseases such as cancer and AIDS.

> >Tegretol was never approved for
> >bipolar disorder. It's used so often for that indication, though, that it's
> >hard to remember that.
>
> It is indeed, and very widely accepted. Although Peter Kramer relates a pretty funny story about how he decided to use Tegretol for a patient once (in _Moments of Engagement_).
>
> >As for Topamax causing weight loss, that's only
> >based on one small study that I know of (Dr. Susan McElroy, Cincinnati). I
> >think the APA meeting will have a lot more data presented on Topamax
> >for bipolar disorder that may clear that up.
>
> Gosh, I wasn't even talking so much in terms of data as just "I know a few people who...." :-) Didn't know anyone was serious about Topamax as a bipolar drug.
>
> >Someday perhaps we'll have a targeted drug just for
> >bipolar disorder (not approved for other indications) other than lithium!
> >Wouldn't that be wonderful! (Drug companies, are you listening?)
>
> Don't hold your breath. Right now they have something (or other) going with the AEDs, and I've at least heard the claim that it's easier to get something approved for epilepsy (especially as "adjunctive treatment") than it is for manic-depression, so they just do that and then let the patients be the guinea pigs for bipolar.
>
> Anyway, what do you think lithium is? :-) (Just for the record, I didn't gain weight on lithium.)
>
> -elizabeth

 

Re: Alternative to Depakote

Posted by Niki on February 22, 1999, at 11:26:29

In reply to Alternative to Depakote, posted by Joann on February 1, 1999, at 14:18:21

> Is there a medicine that is like depakote, but it does not make you gain weight. I been off of the Depakote for about 3 weeks now, but I feel terrible. But I do not like the weight gain either. Can anyone advise? I see the doctor at the end of this month.

Sure glad to find this board--been looking all over the Web for just this question, among others. Thank you all for input; I'm Bi-II, been on Depakote 6 mos., hate the weight gain, looking for more info on Lamictal and Neurontin. Both are PRESCRIBED as mood stabilizers to others in my DMDA support group here in California, but I can't fund up-to-date info on either as a mood stabilizer. Thanx for input on Topamax; will start hunting on THAT as well! Everything you say I agree with; but I take heart in how fast advances are happening and how many alternatives are being made available (if we have to get 'em through someone else's diagnosis and/or be guinea pigs, I'll take it. Better than being locked up or living on Lithium!

 

Re: Alternative to Depakote

Posted by Sara on February 24, 1999, at 18:02:28

In reply to Alternative to Depakote, posted by Joann on February 1, 1999, at 14:18:21

I am just starting on Depakote myself so do not have the answers to the weight gain question. However, I have found a site that looks informative and may provide professional, easy to understand information for all of us regarding this, and many other issues surrounding the medications we take. I hope this helps in some way and I wish you every success in working to become a more comfortable you. :)
http://bipolar.miningco.com/msub16.htm

 

Re: Alternative to Depakote

Posted by tonia on November 17, 2000, at 14:24:35

In reply to Alternative to Depakote, posted by Joann on February 1, 1999, at 14:18:21

> Is there a medicine that is like depakote, but it does not make you gain weight. I been off of the Depakote for about 3 weeks now, but I feel terrible. But I do not like the weight gain either. Can anyone advise? I see the doctor at the end of this month.

yes-it's called tegretol. But I would recommend not taking any medications
until you put the past behind you and figure out why you are the way you are
taking meds to cover up that horrible feeling will do no good
If you don't mind trying somthing that I did I will tell you it is the
best pain that I have ever indured. just get off all your pills
and lavish in that horrid feeling it gets less and less over time
write down everything you feel, BUT ACT ON NOTHING! write poems, stories, or anything
take care of #1 and thats YOU don't tell any one what your doing because they may not let
you explore your self. Last of all the best thing you can do when all else fails and you don't
think you can cope is excercise No Kidding! Spend ten minutes stretching your muscles first
and then in a calculated manner repeat 4 or 5 excercises that you know, arm circles maybe 5 situps
or say 20 calf raises, you get my point but when you do these excercises make sure you always do them in
the same order. I did this and it was merely by accident that I helped myself, I hope this helps-if nothing
else at least try what I said-you never know it might work for you to.
--Tonia

 

Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) may be better choice

Posted by Sunnely on November 17, 2000, at 22:17:59

In reply to Re: Alternative to Depakote, posted by tonia on November 17, 2000, at 14:24:35

Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) is FDA approved as an anti-convulsant. It is chemically similar to carbamazepine (Tegretol) but clinically different. It is the "cleaner" version of Tegretol. During clinical trials comparing Trileptal with placebo, does not appear to show clinically significant difference with regard to weight increase. (Trileptal at 600 mg/day = 1% compared to placebo = 1%; 1200 mg/day = 2% compared to placebo = 1%; 2400 mg/day = 2% comapred to placebo = 1%.)

Compared to Tegretol, Trileptal has:

1. Fewer drug-drug interactions because of its minimal interaction with CYP450 system;

2. Does not induce its own metabolism;

3. No black box warning; monitoring of liver enzymes and blood parameters not required;

4. Quickly and easily titrated

Trileptal is not FDA approved as a mood stabilizer. Most of the studies conducted regarding its effectiveness as a mood stabilizer were outside US.

 

Re: Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) may be better choice » Sunnely

Posted by Chris A. on November 25, 2000, at 15:02:44

In reply to Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) may be better choice, posted by Sunnely on November 17, 2000, at 22:17:59

Would definitely agree that Trileptal is a better choice than Tegretol or Depakote, that is, if it works for you. I have been taking it since ??? - perhaps three months, of course in combo with other meds. Have had a period of being better than for months - years, perhaps.

Chris A.

 

Re: Alternative to Depakote

Posted by S. Howard on November 25, 2000, at 17:50:07

In reply to Re: Alternative to Depakote, posted by tonia on November 17, 2000, at 14:24:35


Joann-
I was cleaning up today and found my drug formulary. You can find out anything by going to Dogpile and typing in the specific name of the drug.

SEIZURE MEDICATION
Phenobarbital $PHENOBARBITAL
Carbamazepine $$TEGRETOL
Phenytoin sodium extended $$DILANTIN
Methsuximide $$CELONTIN
Felbamate $$$FELBATOL
Ethosuximide $$$ZARONTIN
Valproic acid $$$DEPAKENE
Primidone $$$MYSOLINE
Clonazepam $$$KLONOPIN
Divalproex sodium EC $$$$DEPAKOTE
Gabapentin $$$$NEURONTIN
Lamotrigine $$$$LAMICTAL

Hope this helps-good luck. Gracie

 

Please be careful with your advice.... » tonia

Posted by Christina on November 28, 2000, at 17:34:00

In reply to Re: Alternative to Depakote, posted by tonia on November 17, 2000, at 14:24:35

Although I wholehartedly agree that journaling and exersizing are therapeutic and highly beneficial, I don't think it's wise to advise someone to stop taking all their prescribed medication without telling anyone.. especially their doctors!
The consequences can be devastating, if not fatal.

It's the same as telling someone to stop their insulin or heart medication because they should be able to "work through" their diabetes or heart disease!

Most of us on this board are on prescription meds for diagnosed medical conditions, not because we're feeling a little blue or had unhappy childhoods!!

Stopping meds cold turkey -- without the supervision of a pdoc -- is usually a BAD idea!!

> yes-it's called tegretol. But I would recommend not taking any medications
> until you put the past behind you and figure out why you are the way you are
> taking meds to cover up that horrible feeling will do no good
> If you don't mind trying somthing that I did I will tell you it is the
> best pain that I have ever indured. just get off all your pills
> and lavish in that horrid feeling it gets less and less over time
> write down everything you feel, BUT ACT ON NOTHING! write poems, stories, or anything
> take care of #1 and thats YOU don't tell any one what your doing because they may not let
> you explore your self. Last of all the best thing you can do when all else fails and you don't
> think you can cope is excercise No Kidding! Spend ten minutes stretching your muscles first
> and then in a calculated manner repeat 4 or 5 excercises that you know, arm circles maybe 5 situps
> or say 20 calf raises, you get my point but when you do these excercises make sure you always do them in
> the same order. I did this and it was merely by accident that I helped myself, I hope this helps-if nothing
> else at least try what I said-you never know it might work for you to.
> --Tonia

 

Re: Alternative to Depakote

Posted by BillG on April 12, 2001, at 18:31:05

In reply to Re: Alternative to Depakote, posted by Theresa on February 19, 1999, at 11:51:03

> I know lithium is approved for bipolar disorder, but it only works in about 60% of patients. Also, it's not for patients with certain bipolar problems (I forget if it's mixed states or rapid cycling or both) that are common. Many people also don't like to take it because of the side effects that can occur with fluid balance, i.e., getting dehydrated if you get too hot. So I don't think lithium is a magic bullet by any means.
>
> You're right about the drug companies approving anticonvulsants and then just letting patients be the "guinea pigs" for bipolar treatment. I have heard that Abbott is considering studying its newest anticonvulsant, tiagabine (Gabitril) for use in bipolar disorder, which would be a start, and would perhaps encourage other drug companies to sponsor trials of anticonvulsants for bipolar disorder. That way, we'd have a better grasp on efficacy, dosing, side effects, etc.
>
> Some antispsychotics such as olanzapine (Zyprexa) are being studied for bipolar disorder for acute mania or mixed episodes, so that may be a start too.

Concerning this reference to Zyprexa, I have taken it, and although it controls the mood swings and the racing thoughts, I am now on Depakote as I like to be sexually active and Zyprexa raised my prolactin level so high, I was unable to acquire or maintain an erection. So, guys, I suggest another med. :)

>
> I think it's important not to get discouraged. There are many drugs available in many combinations. some people have to try dozens of combinations before they find the right one. It's the pits, but right now, that's the best medicine has to offer. It's a shame when you consider all the advances in other diseases such as cancer and AIDS.
>
> > >Tegretol was never approved for
> > >bipolar disorder. It's used so often for that indication, though, that it's
> > >hard to remember that.
> >
> > It is indeed, and very widely accepted. Although Peter Kramer relates a pretty funny story about how he decided to use Tegretol for a patient once (in _Moments of Engagement_).
> >
> > >As for Topamax causing weight loss, that's only
> > >based on one small study that I know of (Dr. Susan McElroy, Cincinnati). I
> > >think the APA meeting will have a lot more data presented on Topamax
> > >for bipolar disorder that may clear that up.
> >
> > Gosh, I wasn't even talking so much in terms of data as just "I know a few people who...." :-) Didn't know anyone was serious about Topamax as a bipolar drug.
> >
> > >Someday perhaps we'll have a targeted drug just for
> > >bipolar disorder (not approved for other indications) other than lithium!
> > >Wouldn't that be wonderful! (Drug companies, are you listening?)
> >
> > Don't hold your breath. Right now they have something (or other) going with the AEDs, and I've at least heard the claim that it's easier to get something approved for epilepsy (especially as "adjunctive treatment") than it is for manic-depression, so they just do that and then let the patients be the guinea pigs for bipolar.
> >
> > Anyway, what do you think lithium is? :-) (Just for the record, I didn't gain weight on lithium.)
> >
> > -elizabeth

 

Uh oh!

Posted by frenchy on July 12, 2001, at 1:27:37

In reply to Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) may be better choice, posted by Sunnely on November 17, 2000, at 22:17:59

Wow. I just started Depakote, and I had bad feelings about it from the beginning. I am extremely sensitive to my weight, and this is NOT going to be good. (And i'm VERY protective about my hair, I don't even want to mess around w/ this stuff.... )It's already killing my stomach! I have the worst pains... eugh!
I plan to get off of this med ASAP! I wish there was some med that didn't have side effects... oh how nice that would be!
I'm extremely worried about this... if anyone knows of a med that actually works but has no side effects, well then, tell me!!!
I am also on Wellbutrin Slow Release (100mg)... and i'm wondering if the effects of that will counter act the Depakote. Hmm.
I was on Neurontin before, and at first it worked a bit. Then I fell into a deep depression because it was keeping my mood in the dulldroms, and kinda went crazy. Then I stopped it. (And it was hard to loose weight on that stuff....) I'm worried about my poor drug-laiden body!!!!

 

Re: Uh oh! » frenchy

Posted by SalArmy4me on July 12, 2001, at 11:01:25

In reply to Uh oh! , posted by frenchy on July 12, 2001, at 1:27:37

I wonder if the new Depakote ER formulation might have been better for you as far as side-effects are concerned.

 

Re: Uh oh! - Depakote » frenchy

Posted by Elizabeth on July 12, 2001, at 18:46:12

In reply to Uh oh! , posted by frenchy on July 12, 2001, at 1:27:37

FWIW, I took Depakote for a couple months (in 1997, a really bad year for me) at fairly high serum levels, and I didn't experience any noticeable side effects -- no sedation, weight gain, hair loss. It *can* happen.

IMO, the best way to go about these things is to pretend that you're not taking the medication -- just ignore it.

Pessimism is a symptom of depression and anxiety. Take it with a grain of salt.

(BTW, I'm protective of my long, thick hair too.)

Ask your doctor what you can do about the stomach pains. Taking it with food or milk might help.
Don't give up on it, especially if you're taking it for a condition for which it's strongly indicated.

> I wish there was some med that didn't have side effects... oh how nice that would be!

Some people are more sensitive to side effects than others. But anyway, have you tried Lamictal? What condition(s) are you trying to treat?

> I'm extremely worried about this...

Sounds like anxiety to me. < g >

best wishes & hopes,
-elizabeth

 

Re: Uh oh! » frenchy

Posted by Cece on July 12, 2001, at 21:50:45

In reply to Uh oh! , posted by frenchy on July 12, 2001, at 1:27:37

Hi-

I've been on Depakote (I'm BP II) for about 9 years. It was the first mood stabilizer that I tried. Over the years, as other meds have come along and been added to my mix, I've dropped my Dep down from 1000mg/day to 250mg/day (for awhile, I was only taking 125mg/day)- not enuf to even show on serum levels. But it adds its own particular contribution to my mood stability at this mini-dose.

I gained weight at the higher dose, negligible at my present dose (I gain weight very easily). My hair stopped falling out as I dropped down (I have thick hair). My stomach is touchy even without meds, so I take Zantac daily and am fine.

I take at lot of meds, most at very low, even sub-clinical levels. I hate having to bother with all this, but not nearly as much as I hated being alive when deeply depressed. I think that my body is much safer now.

I also take Milk Thistle capsules, which is protective for the liver, since a lot of meds make the liver work harder.

You may be someone like me, and others, who need more than one med to get balanced out. Try not to be afraid- I liked Elizabeth's advice-, and hang in there.

Cece

> Wow. I just started Depakote, and I had bad feelings about it from the beginning. I am extremely sensitive to my weight, and this is NOT going to be good. (And i'm VERY protective about my hair, I don't even want to mess around w/ this stuff.... )It's already killing my stomach! I have the worst pains... eugh!
> I plan to get off of this med ASAP! I wish there was some med that didn't have side effects... oh how nice that would be!
> I'm extremely worried about this... if anyone knows of a med that actually works but has no side effects, well then, tell me!!!
> I am also on Wellbutrin Slow Release (100mg)... and i'm wondering if the effects of that will counter act the Depakote. Hmm.
> I was on Neurontin before, and at first it worked a bit. Then I fell into a deep depression because it was keeping my mood in the dulldroms, and kinda went crazy. Then I stopped it. (And it was hard to loose weight on that stuff....) I'm worried about my poor drug-laiden body!!!!

 

Re: Uh oh!

Posted by frenchy on July 13, 2001, at 4:20:00

In reply to Re: Uh oh! » frenchy, posted by Cece on July 12, 2001, at 21:50:45

What they are trying to treat me for is bi-polar, rapid cycling.
It's not that i'm being pessimistic... okay, well, yea, I am, but i'm just afraid of meds really. I'm afraid of what they will do to me. You know, if they will make me tremble, or go crazy (I had a bad experience with Neurontin)....
It's just the fear of it.
I was recently hospitalized because I was unstable, and this is where they prescribed the meds. I'm on the Wellbutrin SR 100mg, Depakote 250 in the morning, 500 at night, and Trazadone (don't know if that is spelled right, and don't know the exact dosage at the moment).
I'm just concerned.... and another thing about Depakote... has it been usual for it to cause ringing in the ears? I've been getting awful ringing, and it's really stressing when i'm trying to read and can't concentrate because of the ringing.
Just wondering!


> Hi-
>
> I've been on Depakote (I'm BP II) for about 9 years. It was the first mood stabilizer that I tried. Over the years, as other meds have come along and been added to my mix, I've dropped my Dep down from 1000mg/day to 250mg/day (for awhile, I was only taking 125mg/day)- not enuf to even show on serum levels. But it adds its own particular contribution to my mood stability at this mini-dose.
>
> I gained weight at the higher dose, negligible at my present dose (I gain weight very easily). My hair stopped falling out as I dropped down (I have thick hair). My stomach is touchy even without meds, so I take Zantac daily and am fine.
>
> I take at lot of meds, most at very low, even sub-clinical levels. I hate having to bother with all this, but not nearly as much as I hated being alive when deeply depressed. I think that my body is much safer now.
>
> I also take Milk Thistle capsules, which is protective for the liver, since a lot of meds make the liver work harder.
>
> You may be someone like me, and others, who need more than one med to get balanced out. Try not to be afraid- I liked Elizabeth's advice-, and hang in there.
>
> Cece
>
>
>
> > Wow. I just started Depakote, and I had bad feelings about it from the beginning. I am extremely sensitive to my weight, and this is NOT going to be good. (And i'm VERY protective about my hair, I don't even want to mess around w/ this stuff.... )It's already killing my stomach! I have the worst pains... eugh!
> > I plan to get off of this med ASAP! I wish there was some med that didn't have side effects... oh how nice that would be!
> > I'm extremely worried about this... if anyone knows of a med that actually works but has no side effects, well then, tell me!!!
> > I am also on Wellbutrin Slow Release (100mg)... and i'm wondering if the effects of that will counter act the Depakote. Hmm.
> > I was on Neurontin before, and at first it worked a bit. Then I fell into a deep depression because it was keeping my mood in the dulldroms, and kinda went crazy. Then I stopped it. (And it was hard to loose weight on that stuff....) I'm worried about my poor drug-laiden body!!!!

 

Re: Uh oh! » frenchy

Posted by Cece on July 14, 2001, at 3:26:56

In reply to Re: Uh oh! , posted by frenchy on July 13, 2001, at 4:20:00

> What they are trying to treat me for is bi-polar, rapid cycling.
> It's not that i'm being pessimistic... okay, well, yea, I am, but i'm just afraid of meds really. I'm afraid of what they will do to me. You know, if they will make me tremble, or go crazy (I had a bad experience with Neurontin)....
> It's just the fear of it.
> I was recently hospitalized because I was unstable, and this is where they prescribed the meds. I'm on the Wellbutrin SR 100mg, Depakote 250 in the morning, 500 at night, and Trazadone (don't know if that is spelled right, and don't know the exact dosage at the moment).
> I'm just concerned.... and another thing about Depakote... has it been usual for it to cause ringing in the ears? I've been getting awful ringing, and it's really stressing when i'm trying to read and can't concentrate because of the ringing.
> Just wondering!
>
>

I was really afraid of meds for a long time myself- many years- and did not seek medical help (tried to work it all out in therapy).

One of the most important factors for me was finding a doctor who I could talk to easily, who I trusted to be on my side, who would answer my questions, and who was smart, up-to-date, and open minded- not perfect mind you, but a pretty good fit for me. (I had to go outside my health plan to find this doctor, and had to stretch my budget and spend my savings to do it.) Only after settling in with this particular pdoc did I become willing to go through all the trials of different meds that for some of us, are necessary.

At first, side effects are really scary, but then you learn to relax a little, see what passes over time (a lot of side effects do) and to evaluate priorities, i.e. is this helping me enuf in comparison to how much this side effect is bothering me.

But I think that having a doctor to work with who you can establish a good relationship with is paramount. You need that support- but sometimes you have to try out a few, or a lot, of doctors (like trying a few or a lot of meds). You need to be able to have your questions answered to your satisfaction (like: is this ringing in my ears related to the meds, or if not what else might be causing it?). It's also perfectly valid, and accepted medical practice, to seek a second opinion when you are making important medical decisions.

It's hard enuf to do through this process when you're relatively stable, but very, very hard in a time of crisis. This board can offer you support and the bonus of other people's experiences.

But no one can predict how a given med will affect you personally- there is so much individual variation. And, anxiety and instability can cause a lot of effects of their own- including trembling, stomach problems, ringing in the ears, and going crazy.

It's been helpful for me to start meds at especially low doses- because of my fear, and because I seem to be quite sensitive to med effects (good and bad ones), and to build up slowly.

I don't mean to sound frivolous- this has helped me maintain/regain sanity- how about getting a nice massage to relax some of those poor stressed out muscles. Or find a friend to exchange neck rubs with (my neighbor and I get together to watch TV and do this).

Best wishes,
Cece


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