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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Suze on February 1, 2001, at 0:28:40
I just started depakote Jan. 11. Diagnosed bi-polar, rapid cycling. Was wondering if there's anyone out there who's been able to control the weight gain (I was on serzone before and gained weight from it, which seems to be a continuing pattern with depakote). Also, I've noticed some of my eyelashes falling out. More than would be considered "normal." This is scaring me! If I'm going to be gaining weight and losing all my eyelashes, what's the point? I'm beginning to think I'd rather go through the manic episodes and depressions than have to deal with these side effects. Any opinions??? Thanks.
Posted by mars on February 1, 2001, at 6:06:21
In reply to depakote, weight gain, hair loss, posted by Suze on February 1, 2001, at 0:28:40
Hi Suze ~
I have a terrible problem with my weight anyway, so my pdoc tried to avoid depakote and used lithium. It's usually worked but during one bad period she put me on depakote. I just could not cope.
According to a very knowledgeable person here (take a bow, Scott) both lithium and depakote can cause hair loss. I never had problems with eyelashes but did lose a bunch of hair while on lithium and going through a divorce. I'm told that extra selenium and zinc in addition to a good multivitamin will help with that.
The threads are in the previous period - just look for "hair loss".
Good luck. I know several bipolars whose pdocs are insistent that they start with and stick to depakote, but I also read somewhere else that lithium is underutilized.
mars
> I just started depakote Jan. 11. Diagnosed bi-polar, rapid cycling. Was wondering if there's anyone out there who's been able to control the weight gain (I was on serzone before and gained weight from it, which seems to be a continuing pattern with depakote). Also, I've noticed some of my eyelashes falling out. More than would be considered "normal." This is scaring me! If I'm going to be gaining weight and losing all my eyelashes, what's the point? I'm beginning to think I'd rather go through the manic episodes and depressions than have to deal with these side effects. Any opinions??? Thanks.
Posted by Ted on February 1, 2001, at 11:08:00
In reply to Re: depakote, weight gain, hair loss, posted by mars on February 1, 2001, at 6:06:21
Hi Mary & Suze,
>I'm told that extra selenium and zinc in
>addition to a good multivitamin will help with
>that.Yes. To be more specific: 50 mg zinc and 200 micrograms selenium daily. You can choose your favorite multivitamin.
>I know several bipolars whose pdocs are
>insistent that they start with and stick to
>depakote, but I also read somewhere else that
>lithium is underutilized.Mine included. The reason is there are no patents on any lithium compounds, but there are on the *real* drugs, like depakote. The result is the doctors are playing into the pockets of the drug manufacturers and therefore helping their own investments in said companies.
However, I have found the depakote to work surprisingly well. I also have read in a couple of places that the best first-line treatment for bipolar disorder with rapid cycling is depakote with zoloft and/or wellbutrin. So..... don't knock it until it fails to work.
Ted
Posted by Suze on February 1, 2001, at 23:09:25
In reply to Re: depakote, weight gain, hair loss, posted by Ted on February 1, 2001, at 11:08:00
Mars and Ted,
Thanks for the comments/suggestions. Was a little on the freaked side when I posted that message, imagining all my lashes gone, etc. I'm going to try regular exercise on a treadmill to combat the weight gain (my appetite's gotten downright voracious) and I'll give the zinc, selenium and multi-vitamin a try.
Best,
Suze> Hi Mary & Suze,
>
> >I'm told that extra selenium and zinc in
> >addition to a good multivitamin will help with
> >that.
>
> Yes. To be more specific: 50 mg zinc and 200 micrograms selenium daily. You can choose your favorite multivitamin.
>
> >I know several bipolars whose pdocs are
> >insistent that they start with and stick to
> >depakote, but I also read somewhere else that
> >lithium is underutilized.
>
> Mine included. The reason is there are no patents on any lithium compounds, but there are on the *real* drugs, like depakote. The result is the doctors are playing into the pockets of the drug manufacturers and therefore helping their own investments in said companies.
>
> However, I have found the depakote to work surprisingly well. I also have read in a couple of places that the best first-line treatment for bipolar disorder with rapid cycling is depakote with zoloft and/or wellbutrin. So..... don't knock it until it fails to work.
>
> Ted
Posted by sherry gomez on February 3, 2001, at 8:05:19
In reply to Re: depakote, weight gain, hair loss, posted by Suze on February 1, 2001, at 23:09:25
> Mars and Ted,
> Thanks for the comments/suggestions. Was a little on the freaked side when I posted that message, imagining all my lashes gone, etc. I'm going to try regular exercise on a treadmill to combat the weight gain (my appetite's gotten downright voracious) and I'll give the zinc, selenium and multi-vitamin a try.
> Best,
> Suze
>
> > Hi Mary & Suze,
> >
> > >I'm told that extra selenium and zinc in
> > >addition to a good multivitamin will help with
> > >that.
> >
> > Yes. To be more specific: 50 mg zinc and 200 micrograms selenium daily. You can choose your favorite multivitamin.
> >
> > >I know several bipolars whose pdocs are
> > >insistent that they start with and stick to
> > >depakote, but I also read somewhere else that
> > >lithium is underutilized.
> >
> > Mine included. The reason is there are no patents on any lithium compounds, but there are on the *real* drugs, like depakote. The result is the doctors are playing into the pockets of the drug manufacturers and therefore helping their own investments in said companies.
> >
> > However, I have found the depakote to work surprisingly well. I also have read in a couple of places that the best first-line treatment for bipolar disorder with rapid cycling is depakote with zoloft and/or wellbutrin. So..... don't knock it until it fails to work.
> >
> > TedSuzie, Hi
I was on depakote and had problems with weight gain...I switched to topamax and lost and my weight. But it did not have the calming effect depakote had. Friday my pdoc by the on a a new type od depakote that just came out 6 months ago. called Depakote ER, its suppose to have less side effects, well see...
Posted by Suze on February 5, 2001, at 16:26:47
In reply to Re: depakote, weight gain, hair loss, posted by sherry gomez on February 3, 2001, at 8:05:19
> Suzie, Hi
> I was on depakote and had problems with weight gain...I switched to topamax and lost and my weight. But it did not have the calming effect depakote had. Friday my pdoc by the on a a new type od depakote that just came out 6 months ago. called Depakote ER, its suppose to have less side effects, well see...Sherry,
If you think about it, let me know how the newer depakote goes. I'm not so sure I like the way depakote affects me since it's not simply "calming," it makes me want to sleep and sleep. But I guess that's yet another thread...
This is the end of the thread.
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