![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by smylin on May 15, 2001, at 20:09:02
Hey guys!
Well, the last time I posted things were really rough for me. But the Depakote they put me on really leveled me off and I started feeling better.
Well, recently, I've been having difficulties with becoming agitated easily (about the stupidest things) and I'm not sleeping well and I really have a craving for alcohol which I haven't given in to.
I am type II and I have never really experienced "true" mania. Only hypomania and extreme mixed states where I didn't stay manic for very long.
My doctors answer was to increase the Depakote - nothing else. I'm confused - most people I've spoken with are on more than one medicine. I'm most concerned about the agitation. I just go off without warning.I can't be doing this, I have an 18 month old son. I don't want to hurt him in any way (emotionally, I mean) I know I'm babbling but hopefully someone has advice.
Hope to hear something soon, :)
Posted by SalArmy4me on May 15, 2001, at 20:53:56
In reply to questions about meds - I'm new at this , posted by smylin on May 15, 2001, at 20:09:02
How much Depakote are you taking? And how long have you been taking it?
Posted by loosmrbls on May 16, 2001, at 12:22:41
In reply to questions about meds - I'm new at this , posted by smylin on May 15, 2001, at 20:09:02
I think your doctor may be wanting to maximize the effect/dose of the Depakote before starting a new drug. This is very common. Is he going to get a blood level on you in a few days after the new dose?
I too have BP II (although my hypomanic episodes have all been antidepressant-induced) and Depakote was the first drug that worked for me. I am now on lithium too, but the response has been marginal.
As for the irritability, this is worrisome because it sounds like you are still impaired. Was your last episode mixed, manic, or depressed?
I would let your pdoc know this is a big issue (if you didn't already) and ask for help from friends or another doc/ER if things get out of hand. When is he going to see you again?
Posted by smylin on May 16, 2001, at 21:19:03
In reply to Re: questions about meds - I'm new at this , posted by loosmrbls on May 16, 2001, at 12:22:41
I am on 1250mg. I go for a level check this week. Depending on where I am we'll go higher. I just feel like I'm shaking inside. I can't concentrate or think sometimes. All I want is for this to go away, I thought I was getting better.
Posted by loosmrbls on May 17, 2001, at 12:01:08
In reply to Re: questions about meds - I'm new at this , posted by smylin on May 16, 2001, at 21:19:03
Well, if it makes you feel any better I am going through the exact same thing. I also am on Depakote 1250mg. I was also on lithium, but I just stopped it because it was making me worse.
My last level was 83. I don't know how high doctors feel like going, but I have no side effects and I've heard blood levels up to 125 are used. It has been the best to "stabilize" my mood, now I just need to raise that baseline because I feel like crap.
Let me know how things go. I'm very curious
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.