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---Depakote---? For the past couple refills I have noticed a few missing out of each bottle. I have a 17 year old son and I don't want to automatically point the finger at him becuase I dont even know if depakote can even be abused? Does anyone know anything about it?

ihatechunli replied: "Yes I think it would have an interesting affect on someone not diagnosed.. with whatever your diagnosed. I want to say bi-polar? The military thought I was bi-polar and prescibed that junk and it had a strange affect on me."

Ethan replied: "Well talk to him it treats migraines maybe hes getting some just be straight forward and talk to him"

bailezra replied: "I have never heard of anyone taking Depakote for recreational purposes, but I suppose anything is possible. If you suspect that your son might be taking medication from you, you should start locking them up. That isn't the kind of stuff he should be messing around with."

♥ PeachBlossom replied: "blood test"

nbufford replied: "an overdose can cause hallucinations, flapping tremors of hands coma and death cause drowiness is classified as an anticonvulsant and antimanci for petit mal and absence seziures and bipolar"

aspiegirl replied: "you better check it out because over doses of depakote can be dangerous i know i take depakote for bipolar"

katydid replied: "I took Depakote for a period of time for migraine prevention, but the side effects were not anything that I would consider a recreational user would pursue, especially if only a few out of each bottle, but it could be just experimentation. I'm not sure I'd talk to him unless I had a real reason to suspect him - I think I'd talk to the pharmacist first. They would be the most knowledgeable and they would also know if it was possible for the prescription to be off (I've noticed my current prescription to be a pill over or short lately myself and there's no one here but my husband and I know he's not interested.) I know you want to trust your son, but in the meantime, keep an eye out though, better safe than sorry."

Syd replied: "Yes like ALL drugs Depakote can be abused!"

angelcuddle replied: "Children do not need drug dealers anymore....they can just look in the medicine cabinet. Lock up your meds!!! You may save his life. Then you need to have a talk with him about drugs. best of Luck!"

Can depakote interfere with your thyroid blood tests? I have the understanding that Depakote is not only to treat depression but is said to help those with thyroid symptoms and people who get migraines. If a person has all the symptoms of hyperthyroid and a nodule is found on their thyroid but they have been on depakote because it was thought they were manic depressive. Then when they go in for their thyroid tests their thyroid tests come back normal. Could the depakote be interfering with their thyroid test results?

Lisa A replied: "I can't find anything that states that Depakote is said to help those with thyroid symptoms. I can't see how it could possibly help either. It is extremely common for hyperthyroidism to be misdiagnosed as a mental illness such as bipolar though, due to laziness on the part of the doctor, and unwillingness to run the right tests. This is from the product insert: PRECAUTIONS There have been reports of altered thyroid function tests associated with valproate. The clinical significance of these is unknown. CNS Effects Irregular menses, secondary amenorrhea, breast enlargement, galactorrhea, and parotid gland swelling. Abnormal thyroid function tests (see PRECAUTIONS)."

How long does Depakote remain in your body? Hello friends, I take 750mg of Depakote ER daily for bipolar disorder. It has caused severe side-effects and I was wondering exactly how long, after I quit taking this medication, it remains in my system/ blood stream. I appreciate your answers.

Lynn A replied: "I used to take same medication. I was told it takes 2 weeks for it to be fully out of my system. However side effects started to lessen after 4 days of not taking med. Good Luck!"

riptide_71 replied: "Wrong. At your dose, Depakote's half life is 9-16 hours. It's out of your system in 2-3 days. Check out this site:http://www.crazymeds.org/depakote.html"

What is your experience with Lithium or Depakote? Im about to go onto either Lithium or Depakote for the treatment of bipolar disorder type II, and was wondering what to expect? Ive been on venlafaxine for the last 8 months or so, and have had other antidepressants also, but the lithium/depakote is to help with my hypomanic episodes... Also- as another question, did it seem to "numb" you out so that all other emotions seemed flat as well?

Tanya F replied: "im on depakote and it really helps me hun"

Jarrid replied: "I'm on 450mg of lithium twice a day, and it helps me lots. It calms me down, so I'm not so racy. Hope that helps."

Crue-K replied: "I have been on lithium 1000mg or 17 years, it is the one medication that has always worked and never had ill effects. My other meds are seroquel xl and lamotrigine."

J G replied: "Lithium i couldn't tolerate being on......but that proably included many factors as it was when i was starting to go into denial about bipolar and didn't want to be on meds, and my stupid boss at the time would never let me leave work to get bloodwork done when the only clinic i could go to was only open when i worked, so never got at theraputic levels. Depakote almost completely levels me out. Side effects with depakote suck....especially first going on it....for me mostly tremors which tapered off after a short time and GI issues, which I have found probiotic suppliments and eating enough fiber was enough to straighten it out......but for me they are worth dealing with for the benifit Add: No depakote does not numb me out at all. I can not remeber if the lithium did for me or not.....i was just a mess the short time that i was on it."

TBIRD replied: "I fully sympathize with your problem and concern. My wife suffers from a very debilitating form Bipolar and the lithium (150mg) is essential in controlling the manic phase of this condition. Nine years ago my wife (before we met) spent eighteen months in hospital and underwent almost forty ECT treatments, this was an indication of how bad the condition had become. So,from ballet to being a successful artist hasn't been an easy journey. Strictly adhering to the medication ( Abilify,Oroxine and Lithium ) plus maintaining the minerals she was deficient in mostly keep things on an even keel.We had the privilege met with Prof Bill Walsh and Dr. Landhurst at a seminar on mental health In Brisbane and gained a great deal of knowledge on the subject and the management of the condition. Lithium is a naturally occurring salt compound so don't have any concerns about taking it in the dose prescribed by your Doctor. The very wishes for your future."

Scott replied: "In contrast to most of these posts, I had HORRIBLE experiences with Depakote. For starters, it was ineffective in treating my bipolar. It seemed to have the opposite effect, actually. The side effects are very steep. There's a term coined for those on Depakote: Depakote cravings. Yeah that was lame. But anyway, a major, common side effect of Depakote (and I believe Lithium) is a severe craving for food nearly all of the time. I was a very skinny, even bony person before Depakote. Within months, I was gaining weight, unhealthy weight, at a extreme rate. Soon I had 'Depakote boobs', or man boobs. There are much more effective (in my experience at least) mood stabilizers out there that will not ruin your self esteem or create more mania. I'm personally on Lamictal and Geodon, which turned my life around and made me the wonderful person I am today. -Scott"

Reverend Godless replied: "I was on Depakote for 10 years, 1000mg a day. It worked well (I am an epileptic as well), but the side effects were hepatotoxic, so I had to discontinue the medication. As for the medication "numbing" me out, well, all psych meds do that, so it's to be expected as a side effect. I do know with lithium, it is important to increase your fluid intake because the medication can become toxic in your blood stream without proper fluid intake, so please make sure you do that. Of course, as with all psych meds, you have to watch for extrapyrimidal side effects: pill rolling, uncontrollable movements, diaphoresis, parkinsonian symptoms, and high temp, rigid muscles, and high blood pressure (which is a medical emergency) On reference to another answer, I've heard people praise Lamictal to the stars with how well it works, so I tried it myself. And it did work well...very little side effects, didn't mess with my concentration, helped my mood swings. Then three weeks later, I developed a high fever, swollen glands, and a peeling skin rash...Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. So really, as you know, meds are like a trial and error effect, unfortunately. I hope the Depakote and Lithium work well for you :)"

* ADRIAN * replied: "Depakote is great for me. I'm on it for mood stabilizing most likely. I have schizophrenia and have had absolutely no side effects best to my knowledge. I've been on it for over a year. It's a big gray pill (the generic is white) and I see no reasons not to get on it. Lithium, I've never been on. I've heard it's a very strong drug and can be used for deep depression. Otherwise, I know nothing of the drug. edit: I'm also an epileptic and I'm on Geodon also. Before that, I was on Gabepentin and that worked wonders. But you aren't talking about those meds."

Jenny S replied: "lithium messed with my thyroid, big time. depakote, I slept better than I have in years, but yes, it made me all together flat."

Pico replied: "I take 900mg of Lithium to 'enhance' my antidepressants. It actually works for that. Also, I'm a bit suicidal and Lithium is an 'anti suicide' drug. I am a little numb these days but I'm on 6 meds so I don't know which one is doing it. I started Lithium the same time I started Prozac and Seroquel. One of those makes me a bit flat."

Tina N replied: "I started taking lithium on Thursday for Bipolar, it took it drus for three days and got so deathly sick I had to stop taking it. I should have been in the hospital, but didn't know it. I had serious side affects almost immediately. They included: delusional thoughts, no sleep, could not eat or drink without throwing up, severe panics attacks. This medicine did the opposite for me. Very scary stuff. My advice, if you start getting sick to your stomach and can't sleep immediately contact your doctor and stop taking it. Don't wait three days like I did."

Bryan replied: "My friend’s doctor had prescribed two small doses of lithium every day for her bi polar problem. It works well. From what I hear from her, detox sessions, Yoga and other wellness programs plus the serene locale that she stayed in during treatment hastened her recovery process."

How much weight will you loose getting off depakote? I've been on depakote for ten years now for seizure disorder. Doctor wants me off to see how I will do or if I've grown out of it. I have had tons of side effects from depakote and have gained some weight(not tons but about 20 pounds) and have water weight issues as well. Wondering if there is anyone out there who has been in the same boat and has lost weight getting off of it. Thanks!

*begging*for*name replied: "I would say that the best you can expect is you get your previous weight before depakote. But do expect it to be less considering you are growing and losing weight is a multi-factorial event."

What is the diffrence between Depakote and Abilify? My dr just put me on Depakote. I am on Abilify right now and he is going to take me off that. I was wondering about the diffrence between these drugs, and what one is better for racing thoughts? Thank you.

MOMOFIAN replied: "not sure they are both an anti depression my husband is on both"

leogirly4life replied: "Depakote, in both delayed-release tablet and capsule form, is used to treat certain types of seizures and convulsions. It may be prescribed alone or with other epilepsy medications. The delayed-release tablets are also used to control the manic episodes--periods of abnormally high spirits and energy--that occur in bipolar disorder (manic depression). An extended-release form of Depakote, Depakote ER, is prescribed to prevent migraine headaches. The delayed-release tablets are also used for this purpose & Abilify is used in the treatment of schizophrenia, the psychological disorder that causes its victims to lose touch with reality, often triggering hallucinations, delusions (false beliefs), and disorganized thinking. The drug is thought to work by modifying sensitivity to two of the brain's chief chemical messengers, serotonin and dopamine. Racing thoughts? I'm not too sure about that one. Anyway I hope the info I found for you helped you out alot. Since I helped you would you mind answering a few of my questions please? Have a nice day & good luck with everything."

what are the dangers of stopping depakote for bipolar disorder? I've been taking depakote for 2 years. I had a severe mania and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Since I started depakote, I haven't had any mood swings, manias or depressions. If I was to ween myself off, what are some things that could happen?

lil bit replied: "Seizures See website below"

nastehnedd replied: "you should not do this cold turkey if anything, talk to your doctor. if he agrees that you can start to get off of these meds, he should lower your dose or frequency of taking."

nightowl24 replied: "Well there are legal cases of people getting off of the meds, having a manic swing and killing others. They were convicted. Don't ask us this question, talk to a medical docter or psychiatrist, You could harm yourself or some innocent person. No one likes taking meds and being dependant on them, but having bi-polar can be dangerous and you could ruin your life if you are not carefully advised about if or how you should stop."

Tammie N replied: "I believe it can cause diabetes, and something in your blood level gets dangerously low, and your mood swings and mania could come back. Which can be a danger to yourself as well as others. Honestly, if your medication has helped, why would you want to go off of it. That generally means it is working. And definitely seek the advice of your Doctor."

maitraya replied: "return of mood swings and seizures, plus if you go off if you want to go back on it may not work leaving you to search for a another drug like lithium"

Jessica replied: "If you go off it you will likley go into a manic state. Don't do it. Talk to your dr first. Why do you want off it? Seems like its working if you have been mood free."

blue_bipo2 replied: "First of all, Bipolar illness isn't something that goes away, their is no cure for it. Only medication that can stabilize you and help you live with this illness. Depakote seems to be working great for you since you've said yourself that you haven't had any mood swings, manias or depressions. Therefor you should stay on them, even if you seem to believe you do not need them anymore. Stopping medication because you feel better is the most common mistake people with mental illnesses do !! (I know, I lived it and I assure you it isin't a good idea!!) You do not know how lucky you are!! So many people have a hard time finding the medication (or combination of medication) that stabilizes them. I personally had to go through 15 different medications and combinations (over a period of 3 years) before finding the medications that helps me. Going off of your medication is the worst thing you could do!! It takes about 3 weeks for your body to be cleared of the medication and I guaranty you that your manias and your mood swings will come back!! Whatever you decide, one thing is for sure: you should consult your psychiatrist first of all and you should ABSOLUTELY not stop depakote "cold turkey". You have to ween yourself off the medication gradually over a period of several weeks, because side effects of withdrawal are very dangerous! If your only reason for wanting to stop your depakote is because you haven't had mood swings and manias or depressions since being on it, then I strongly suggest you DO NOT STOP TAKING IT! If for other reasons you want to stop depakote (for example, bad side effects) then discuss this with your psychiatrist before doing anything drastic. Please, for your safety, consult your psychiatrist before taking this decision/action. Good luck ;)"

What are the effects of depakote er and seroquel? I have pelvic inflammatory disease and want to get pregnant? after my treatment, I would like to know the long term effects of depakote and seroquel as far as fertility is concerned?

lil_909chick replied: "you must definatley go see your ob/gyn. I hope you dont take answers from here"

How much weight have you lost when you got off depakote? I am about to be getting off depakote after ten years of being on it. I am curious if there is anyone out there who has taken it, put on some weight whether it be water weight or pounds, and lost pounds after getting off of it. I am not extremely over weight. I would like to be twenty pounds lighter. I am 140 now and 5ft 7in. Just curious. My doctor says he doesn't think I will loose that much but I've been on it before and off again and have forgotten how much weight I dropped. Thanks.

Ashley replied: "i havnt tried it"

What's the difference between Depakote and Lithium? I have Bipolar 2 and recently I've been having a lot of mood change problems so my doctors are talking about taking me off all of my meds and putting me on all new ones. Currently I am on Depakote (1000mg), Sertraline(200mg), Seroquel(100mg) and Topamax(200mg). They've talked about putting me on Lithium to replace the Depakote, but that makes me nervous because I've heard Lithium makes you a zombie. Can people share their personal experiences with Lithium? I would really appreciate it.

riptide_71 replied: "I have been on Lithium for over 10 years. I think it is a wonder drug. It helps control my mood swings. At first, I was thirsty all the time, had to pee all the time, gained some weight, but eventually those side effects went away. Now, I just have some acne which I treat with Clearasil. At first, it messed up my stomach, but my doctor changed to extended release and I have no problem. Plus I take it at night when I eat. It does not make me a zombie. I have been on it along time, so it made my thyroid stop working slighlty. To fix that, they put me on synethic thyroid hormones. BUt that is no big deal...many women are hypothyroid. I have my blood tested every three months to make sure that I am in the theurapeutic range. I have never had a problem with toxicity and never been poisoned. It works well for alot of people."

doug k replied: "To answer your question: Lithium is a basic element that has good results with mood stabilization in many people. Depakote is a drug developed as an anti-convulsant that is often used as a mood stabilizer. (It is also used for some people to treat migraine headaches) Finding the right drug or mix of drugs that help a person with a mind illness is a process. Some people are lucky and the doc gets it right the first time. For most of us, it is a long process of trial and error to find out what works. Be thankful that you have a doc who is willing to try something different when it is apparent that the current program isn't working. We each respond differently to different medications. I didn't became a zombie on lithium, but I did experience other undesirable side effects (tremors, intensinal upset). I gained a lot of weight on Depakote. I "zombied" on Topamax. The point is, different things work for different people. I wish you the best. Work with your doc's and they WILL find something that works for you."

Asian Beauty <3 replied: "I've been taking lithium for 6 months now. Although everyones reaction to meds are different, i had a slight loss in appetite and im very sensative to meds but i didnt have problems with lithium. My doctor explained that Lithium is used to stabilize the depression part of bipolar disorder and depakote is more for the rapid cycling. I am starting depakote with my Lithium to bring me out of rapid mood changes because the lithium wasnt enough to stablize me a lone. i take 900mg lithium, and will take 250mg and then 500mg in a week of depakote. i take seroquel too. i'm not a zombie and i dont feel over medicated as i have often worried about because of the high mg's so far its been fine for me."

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