Depakote Pros and Cons

[Stephanie2381]

I just recently (5/17/11) had to raise my Depakote (Divalproex generic) to a more theraputic level (no blood test yet, will need to get probably today), and I am wondering about the pros/cons...hoping there are more pros...I am on 750mg day and hope that I dont have to increase, using as mood stabilizer in addition to Cymbalta...maybe its just my anxiety today about life events right now, but I feel very odd the last couple days It has been helping mood though...

Any comments?

God Bless ! Stephanie

 

[NewCovenant]

Pros: Truly helped stabilize my moods in combination with other drugs; sort of opened me up creatively.

Cons: Gained enormous amounts of weight.

 

[Stephanie2381]

NC -- Are you still taking Depakote? Since you said weight gain was major factor, I assume not? Also can you tell me what mg you were taking, and you mentioned combo of other drugs, were those helpful and can you list those? I am trying to see if I am on the right combo

Thanks!
Stephanie

 

[NewCovenant]

Stephanie, it was 20 years ago... I know I was also on Klonopin, something called Triliphon (no idea how that's spelled), and assorted antidepressants. I went off of all these drugs and replaced them slowly over a few months time. This was my first drug cocktail. I started gaining weight immediately, and did not lose any for 11 years, when I had a complete change-up by a different doctor.

I tried Depakote again a few years later, but the experiment failed.

I'm on a number of drugs right now that are working beautifully, but there are a LOT of them.

 

[Stephanie2381]

I have just begun my BP ride.....I am totally afraid of meds, so it is hard to get me to start new ones, I only take the Depakote and Cymbalta for now, I am praying that my moods will stay in check with these two! I just dont want to have the side effects of weight gain, or lose may hair Maybe if I was a little older I could pass the hairloss and weight gain off a little better -- hehe but right now i am only 30.