Should I go off Depakote?
Dr said I'm Bipolar but not sure about that. Only symptom I really have is racing thoughts, and doesn't anxiety also cause that? I don't like all these symptoms I have been having. I either want off this drug or get something new!! Any advise would be great.
Answer:
It's definitely worth investigating something more compatible for you.You are the best advocate for yourself.Educate yourself about your disease and your symptoms and talk to your doctor about what you found.Please read about symptoms of bipolar dx on line so you know if your symptoms are the same.If you are bipolar, AKA manic depressive, you have periods of "racing thoughts" and periods of depression(Both must be present for the diagnosis of bipolar)If it is chemical imbalance of your brain then you need the medications.Sometimes some psychotherapy may help.Some times natural remedies is the solution,sometimes is the combination of both.
Before you make any decision you need to get your doctor to take you off the medication SLOWLY.(very important).In the meantime read about your disease and go prepared to talk with your doctor.
good luck
i'm taking Wellbutrin and Lamictal. seems to help mostly. but i do still have depressive days which is annoying and causes me to be very unproductive.
you should definitely at least change the medication
See bipolar disorder and panic attacks at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris... on pages 5, and 8. Consult an experienced psychotherapist (see locators, and 1800-therapist sites on pages 1, and 2, and read that page: get medical advice on how many weeks to taper off it).
Depakote can be a *****. Ask your doctor about Lamictal -- it's also an anti-convulsant (same class of drug as Depakote) but weight gain is not a side effect.
Having struggled with bipolar disorder for many years, I can tell you -- only take yourself off the Depakote with a doctor's approval. As for the diagnosis itself ... get a second opinion. The lines of psychiatric diagnosis, I've found, are extremely murky.
NO DO not just go off depakote! It has symptomatic problems if you do~!!
Discuss your concerns with your doctor. If he/she doesn't listen, then it is time to find another mental health provider.
Bipolar involves depression and mania which is like being on speed. Mood swings are normal. Depakote is a nasty drug, I know I was on it for a while. So, you should consult with a doctor or Physicians Assistant, (PA), but especially a psychologist who will listen to your concerns and work with you for a viable solution.
Who to locate? Try the yellow pages and look in the county section blue pages for mental health providers. Also see if there is a Lifeworks office near you, as they can help too.
Good luck hope this helps.
DEAR MISS
I HAVE BEEN ON BOTH AND THEY ARE BOTH REALLY
BAD FOR YOU IT HURTS YOUR LIVER YOU GAIN A LOT
OF WIEGHT RETAIN WATER YOUR FEET SWELL AND
YOU ALSO BECOME A TYPE 2 DIABETE OK
PLEASE GET OFF OF BOTH ASAP I HAVE BEEN THERE
DONE THAT OK
TAKE CARE
Get off that junk, there are sooo many better meds then that junk. Try some of the newer drugs, if you find them too expensive try Tegratol CR, that`s what I`m on. I find it weight neutral and you don`t sleep twenty four hours a day...But, try some of the newer drugs, Abilify is supposed to be great.Make sure you wean yourself off your current drugs slowly and then, consider a newer drug...
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