Depakote (divalproex sodium) for Bipolar Mood Swings

Bipolar Disorder Medications: Depakote (Divalproex Sodium)

Depakote, like Tegretol is an anticonvulsant drug used to treat bipolar disorder MANIA. It's a misconception that Depakote is a complete mood stabilizer as it's not as effective for depression treatment- it's often used in conjunction with other medications that do help depression in order to fully treat bipolar disorder.

When I was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I started with lithium (considered the only true 'mood stabilizer' ) – I had really severe side effects with lithium and had to try the next in line drug for people initially diagnosed with bipolar disorder – Tegrotol. When that didn't work I tried Depakote.

This was a very normal treatment plan in 1995. These days, for those of us with bipolar II (we don't have full blown mania), Lamictal (Lamotrigine) is often the drug of choice instead of Depakote or Tegretol.

For people with bipolar I (full blown mania), Depakote is still a common drug. Depakote works for many people, but the problem is often weight gain.

It's estimated that Zyprexa can lead to around a 20 pound weight gain- it can be more for Depakote. NOT FOR EVERYONE, but for some.Depokote side effects completely depend on how well your liver can process the drug. Some truly can take Depakote with no weight gain!

These days, you have more options than Depakote alone- talk with your health care professional and explore Lithium, Tegretol and anti psychotics. All are anti mania drugs- even the anti psychotics such as Abilify and Serequel are used for mania control. It should be noted that Tegretol can have some pretty strong side effects and those on Lithium have to carefully monitor their kidney function.

If you've had a lot of weight gain on Depakote, you definitely need to check out your options with a health care professional. If it's working with little weight gain- that's fantastic!

Drug side effects are a trade off. These drugs seriously alter our brains which leads to side effects, but they also save our lives!

Julie

PS: I love my Lamictal!

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