do i change

hi michelle my partner is on depakote and he finds it great no side effects what so ever ,and he point blank refuses to take lithium ! due to its side effects and due to what he read when he was first diagnosed.good luck with it all sharon

Hi Michelle...

I've always been strongly against taking Lithium for the treatment of my bipolar!

So far so good & I've kept the psychiatrists & their prescriptions pads at bay!!!!

I've taken Depakote in the past & although choose not to take it now, I didn't suffer at the hands of major side effects!

As a treatment I found it to be ineffective on a broad scale!

It knocked the edges off the extreme poles however didn't prevent either depression setting in or hypomania!

Therefore in my opinion, for the treatment & management of the way my condition manifested itself; I felt better off self managing, avoiding triggers & being alert to symptoms.

Everyone is different of course & reacts in numerous ways to a variety of treatments, what works for one doesn't for another!

I'm extremely self aware & have tremendous personal insight. I've been diagnosed for 15 years with bipolar 2, have been through the mill to an extent, attempted suicide; nearly succeeded, have been an inpatient & led a very full life.

Although I've maintained & continue to be very happy in my second marriage of 12 years, I've also been unable to maintain high pressured careers & left a number of training course at the 11th hour, including a degree 5 weeks from the end with only one module to complete!

All due to bipolar, my self esteem & lacking confidence...

I'd read up as much as you can, ask questions from your health team & if you feel the change would be good for you, try it!

Good luck, update me/the site with your progress.

Take care ;0)

I have been on Lithium therapy for some thirty years and last year my psychiatrist stopped it as it seemed that I was developing diabetes insipidous and I was changed to depakote plus two anti depressants. Almost immediately the very coarse tremor caused by the lithium almost disappeared. The tremor still exists slightly but at least I can hold a cup of tea and the odd pint which I am allowed. My depression still persists a little and so the challenges have still to me met.

Brian...

I think that's one of the main reasons I don't take regular medication now?

Because my expectations when regularly taking meds, are too high & I become frustrated! Especially if I'm having to endure side effects for the pleasure of taking them!

I generally only take antidepressants now when I become too low to lift myself out of the mood state.

I can control the onset of hypomania well, then it doesn't get out of control...

The depression I can't control & need medicinal help.

It's good to hear the switch in treatment has altered things positively for you. ;0)

Hi Michelle

I'm bipolar II diagnosed in 1998.  I was on depakote for several years but never found it very effective, just made me put on weight, however, as others have said, everyone is different.  I'm stabilised now on citalopram, risperidone and diazepam, but it took several years of experimentation to reach that point.  I'm also very med compliant, always take my meds, whether I think I need them or nor not, thats key.  I've met lots of people with depression and bipolar and have noticed that if one goes on and off meds they gradually become less effective.

Anyway, I hope the depakopte works for you, give it a try and see what happens

Bewst Wishes

Lizzie

 

hi Michell,

Remember each of us are built as indidvivuals therefore what is for me is for me and may not effect you.  I would say try it but only you can say how it ie effecting you.Get off that lithium.