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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by HMK on September 6, 2002, at 8:40:21
I'm a bipolar II who takes Effexor XR, Depakote, and Risperdal. I've gained something like 40 lbs since starting Depakote and I can't put up with it anymore. Risperdal has been an amazing drug for me and really helps with my mood stabilization- much more than the Depakote ever has. I want to discontinue the Depakote and try just using Risperdal and Effexor but am wondering if there will be any withdrawal effects from going off the drug that I should know about. Can anyone advise? I can't get ahold of my doctor. Thanks!
Heather
Posted by Geezer on September 6, 2002, at 12:34:22
In reply to Discontinuing Depakote, posted by HMK on September 6, 2002, at 8:40:21
> I'm a bipolar II who takes Effexor XR, Depakote, and Risperdal. I've gained something like 40 lbs since starting Depakote and I can't put up with it anymore. Risperdal has been an amazing drug for me and really helps with my mood stabilization- much more than the Depakote ever has. I want to discontinue the Depakote and try just using Risperdal and Effexor but am wondering if there will be any withdrawal effects from going off the drug that I should know about. Can anyone advise? I can't get ahold of my doctor. Thanks!
> HeatherHi Heather,
I took Depakote for one year at variable doses up to 1500mg. I was "incorrectly DXed" Bipolar II, I dereased Depakote to 750mg. then quit cold turkey-no bad side affects at all. Are you sure you can rule out the Risperdal and Effexor as contributors to the weight gain? Please remember I was not Bipolar so you need to exercise more caution in making this decision. I don't think you will have a difficult time as far as withdrawal is concerned but a swing to mania deserves proper respect and monitoring by your pdoc.
Wish you the best,
Geezer
Posted by Ritch on September 6, 2002, at 12:58:53
In reply to Discontinuing Depakote, posted by HMK on September 6, 2002, at 8:40:21
> I'm a bipolar II who takes Effexor XR, Depakote, and Risperdal. I've gained something like 40 lbs since starting Depakote and I can't put up with it anymore. Risperdal has been an amazing drug for me and really helps with my mood stabilization- much more than the Depakote ever has. I want to discontinue the Depakote and try just using Risperdal and Effexor but am wondering if there will be any withdrawal effects from going off the drug that I should know about. Can anyone advise? I can't get ahold of my doctor. Thanks!
> Heather
Hi Heather,Yes, there is a discontinuation syndrome that can happen when you stop Depakote. A neurologist I saw once told me about it. It's not as bad as discontinuing many AD's, though. Depakote induces a metabolic slowing that occurs over several weeks-which is why people often gain weight on it. I have to exercise pretty vigorously to keep my weight from going up while taking my Depakote now. When you stop taking it your metabolism will start to speed back up-and when it does you might get pretty agitated and frazzled. Kind of a "rebound" effect. When I stopped Depakote last time I cut my dose in half for a week every week until I was down to 125mg/day for a week and then stopped it. I was a little agitated the last week on 125mg/day and for a week afterwards after I stopped it, but I was OK after that.
hope this helps,
Mitch
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