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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 19 of 19. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by bookgurl99 on September 18, 2003, at 15:48:28
First day on Depakote -- relatively low dose, 250 mgs for the first few days at bedtime, before upping it to 250 mgs 2x/day.
First impression -- I feel a little sleepy, and a little like I don't want to eat. (I'll be watching the symptoms to make sure they don't become dangerous.)
However, I've been nauseated, dizzy, and very visually reactive all week. Even the pattern in an aphgan at home has set off a migraine this week! The reactivity seems to be _gone_. The nausea and dizziness are gone. I'd have to say for now that I'm pleasantly surprised, and hoping that the mild sleepiness today vanishes soon.
Posted by bookgurl99 on September 19, 2003, at 13:39:13
In reply to Depakote for migraine, Day 1 , posted by bookgurl99 on September 18, 2003, at 15:48:28
Yay! No migraines all day yesterday!!
(Big deal for someone who had them every day.)
Downside: I've got a huge bruise on my leg that evolved from a little bump to the diameter of a soda can top since beginning the Depakote. I'm worried about clotting.
More minor downside: I'm getting a few little tiny rashes/itchy spots in unusual spots around my body.
I'm hoping these side effects resolve, as it feels great not to have a migraine daily.
Posted by elbee on September 19, 2003, at 19:30:55
In reply to Re: Depakote for migraine, Day 2, posted by bookgurl99 on September 19, 2003, at 13:39:13
Glad to hear depacote seems to be holding your migraines at bay so far! ---One migraine per day UUUGH! That must be pretty harsh.
Good luck & here's hoping depacote works out well for you.
Posted by Liligoth on September 19, 2003, at 19:33:15
In reply to Re: Depakote for migraine, Day 2, posted by bookgurl99 on September 19, 2003, at 13:39:13
great news bookgirl! I hope the side effects dont spoil it. I have a lot of trouble with constant vascular headaches - not classic migraine (dont have a lot of true migraine symptoms but have the same cause of blood vessel dilation) & have found Nortriptyline the tricyclic AD has fixed them. Havent had a headache for nearly a year after having constantly for years.
cheers,
Posted by bookgurl99 on September 21, 2003, at 0:49:36
In reply to Depakote for migraine, Day 1 , posted by bookgurl99 on September 18, 2003, at 15:48:28
Wow. I haven't felt normal all day. I've felt tired, dizzy, emotionally flat. And this is on a very low dose. I was able to do my weight-lifting and socialize, but I didn't feel quite awake all day.
I had some mild breakthrough visual migrane phenomena, but as this is the first day of my menstrual cycle, this is quite good. I can usually look forward to a hard-core migraine with negative cognitive effects for days afterwords.
And speaking of cognitive effects, those were my biggest concern about taking Depakote. I'm noticing just a few times that I haven't been able to recall someone's name or a simple word. Yet my attention span and short-term memory are much better without the regular migraines (yup, they have an effect), so maybe it's a trade-off.
*sigh* I hope I feel better tomorrow.
Posted by bookgurl99 on September 22, 2003, at 2:54:02
In reply to Depakote for migraine, Day 1 , posted by bookgurl99 on September 18, 2003, at 15:48:28
Woke up feeling less sleepy today.
I've been a little sleepy, and a little absent-minded, but nothing too bad. I'm doing much better. I attribute some of the difference to having added milk thistle (protective for the liver) in to my daily routine.
I'm noticing more optical migraine today, but no severe migraine. It's great to have it under control.
I'll post if I go up to 500 mgs, as my dr. advised.
Posted by elbee on September 22, 2003, at 20:37:00
In reply to Re: Depakote for migraine, Day 4, posted by bookgurl99 on September 22, 2003, at 2:54:02
Glad you woke up feeling a bit better. Sorry about the aspect of optical migraine...but glad it's an improvement over your norm. :)
Posted by katia on September 23, 2003, at 14:41:24
In reply to Re: Depakote for migraine, Day 4, posted by bookgurl99 on September 22, 2003, at 2:54:02
Hi all,
I know there is some risk associated with Depakote and Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Anyone know if these risks are the same with the new XR version????
thanks.
Katia
Posted by bookgurl99 on September 23, 2003, at 16:39:26
In reply to Depakote XR and PCOS?, posted by katia on September 23, 2003, at 14:41:24
Katia --
there really isn't any information in the depakote patient insert about PCOS, so i couldn't say for sure.
i think the relationship may be in that, depakote may be associated with weight gain, which itself is associated with PCOS. if you can somehow keep off the weight (and i have lost 6 pounds on a low-carb diet since starting depakote a week ago), then you should be able to reduce your chances of aggravating PCOS.
of course, if you're really concerned, i'd recommend talking to your dr. or an endocrinologist about this.
are you having a fertility concern? i know depakote is contraindicated for pregnant women.
to be honest, i was really freaked out about taking this med but my first week experience has been so great, i think the side effects are worth it.
Posted by katia on September 23, 2003, at 19:12:04
In reply to Re: Depakote XR and PCOS?, posted by bookgurl99 on September 23, 2003, at 16:39:26
What dosage are you at? You've lost 6 lbs. in one week????
I too am on a low carb diet and have been on Dep. for probably over a month now and haven't lost weight, maybe put on a pound or two. Are you on the XR version? I'm not,but want to be. My stomach/GI tract is not liking Dep.
I'm also on L-Carnitine to counter the weigh gain.YES YES YES, my concern is with fertility.
Are you experiencing any side effects? Are you only on Dep.?
Katia
Posted by bookgurl99 on September 23, 2003, at 21:55:31
In reply to Re: Depakote XR and PCOS? » bookgurl99, posted by katia on September 23, 2003, at 19:12:04
Katia --
Hi. To respond to your questions:
> What dosage are you at?
Right now I'm at 250 mgs of Depakote. I'm supposed to up it to 500 when I'm used to the 250. This should be soon -- I have two college exams next week, so I am waiting until after the exams to up the dose. (Don't wanna be tired, groggy, or dumb in the test.)
How much are you on? Because I'm taking Depakote for migraine, and not bipolar or seizure disorder, I may be able to take a lower dose of it than the average person on Depakote.
> Are you on the XR version? I'm not,but want to be. My stomach/GI tract is not liking Dep.
I'm not on the XR version, that I know of. My medication label just says "Depakote." I'm sorry that your stomach is having problems with it. I notice that I'm more nauseated when I have to take it with other medications, like when I had to take an antibiotic this week. Milk thistle and ginger are the only things I could think of to help.
> You've lost 6 lbs. in one week????Yes, I've lost 6 pounds following the Atkins plan at ediets.com in about a week. I'm pleasantly surprised, because I'm hypothyroid and usually have a _lot_ of trouble losing weight. I feel for your weight-loss struggles.
>
> YES YES YES, my concern is with fertility.>Katia, are you worried about your long-term fertility, or are you hoping to get pregnant _soon_? I would talk to your dr. if you are planning to get pregnant soon, because my Depakote label had a warning that stated not to take it if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant -- it's harmful to the fetus.
Also, are you having PCOS symptoms already?
> Are you experiencing any side effects?
Side effects: the first few days, grogginess, minor word-finding problems. now: minor short-term memory problems, and sweating. Not too bad.
>Are you only on Dep.?No. I also take Levoxyl, 100 mcg for hypothyroidism, and Lexapro, 10 mg, for migraines/anxiety. I am going to try to taper off the Lexapro.
Ok -- I hope that Depakote or another good drug will work out for you. I'm so glad to have found one that works.
Posted by katia on September 24, 2003, at 1:09:04
In reply to Re: Depakote XR and PCOS? » katia, posted by bookgurl99 on September 23, 2003, at 21:55:31
HI Bookgurl,
In answer to your questions...> How much are you on?
I'm on 750mg. We would up it, but not sure if I'm staying on Dep. due to the PCOS thing. I just started Lamictal at 5mg for the past ten days. I also started a diet about three weeks ago that included a supplement called L-Carnitine, which is great to take on Depakote. Because apparently what Dep. does to make one gain weight, L-Carn. does to counter it. I've certainly not lost weight and had to buy a new pair of jeans today! (a size up from where I was a year ago) ok ok, I was too thin a year ago, but I prefer to be thin.Milk thistle and ginger are the only things I could think of to help.
I also take Milk Thistle.> Katia, are you worried about your long-term fertility> Yes, long term. I don't even have a boyfriend, so forget about planning for pregnancies. :-(
> Also, are you having PCOS symptoms already?
I don't think so. I also get pains in my ovaries before my period and that's what I'm experiencing now.
Yes, I do feel better. It's kind of a slow daunting thing. I'm not totally there yet. Almost committed murder standing in a painfully slow line with belligerent unaware people in front of me. Seriously......I almost crawled out of my skin and then had a near breakdown walking home. I do think I'm not at an optimum dose, but when i get to the med I'll stay on, then we'll up it. We'll see how I do on the Lamictal. I may change to Lithium or Trileptal.
Good luck on your exams.
Katia
Posted by bookgurl99 on September 26, 2003, at 0:04:41
In reply to Re: Depakote for migraine, Day 4, posted by bookgurl99 on September 22, 2003, at 2:54:02
Ok -- I got to my first day of 500 mgs. I took my regular first dose yesterday, and added second dose last night. Today I did the same.
First impressions -- I felt a _little_ groggy for the first 2 hours, but nothing like the extreme tiredness I've read complaints about. I was able to go to class, work out for 45 minutes, and come to work with no problems.
Surprisingly, I'm experiencing much more energy and a more positive mood. Are these normal for people on antiepileptics or mood stabilizers, or is it just me due to not having migraines anymore?
Posted by katia on September 26, 2003, at 0:23:05
In reply to Re: Depakote for migraine, up to 500 mgs, posted by bookgurl99 on September 26, 2003, at 0:04:41
When I started Depakote, I got really racy and a bit hypomanic. My pdoc said that he actually has heard about this happening with other BP people and it's consistent with my dx of BP. So we upped it quicker to 750mg and that raciness went away. From what I remember, I think I felt a bit racy the first day of an upping and then a day or two later,I was feeling very very lethargic in the afternoon. So, I have to take all mine at night.
But then I started taking L-Carnitine for energy and weight loss. and my energy level rose. I also just started Lamcital and I can feel a bit of activation from that - in a good way.
katia
Posted by bookgurl99 on September 26, 2003, at 2:13:27
In reply to Re: Depakote for migraine, up to 500 mgs » bookgurl99, posted by katia on September 26, 2003, at 0:23:05
> When I started Depakote, I got really racy and a bit hypomanic. My pdoc said that he actually has heard about this happening with other BP people and it's consistent with my dx of BP.
Katia --
Hmm. Thanks for sharing. This is useful information for me, as I have never been dx'd with bipolar disorder but have experienced bouts of hypomania.
My primary concern is migraines, but if something else is going on too -- such as bipolar disorder -- it will be useful to know in the future. Luckily, the same meds can be used for both conditions.
Posted by katia on September 26, 2003, at 14:19:16
In reply to Re: Depakote for migraine, up to 500 mgs, posted by bookgurl99 on September 26, 2003, at 2:13:27
Have you ever told a doctor that you experienced bouts of hypomania?
It'd be important info to give her/him.
katia
Posted by bookgurl99 on September 26, 2003, at 18:38:40
In reply to Re: Depakote for migraine, up to 500 mgs » bookgurl99, posted by katia on September 26, 2003, at 14:19:16
> Have you ever told a doctor that you experienced bouts of hypomania?
> It'd be important info to give her/him.
> katiakatia,
he and my psych have both noticed because they've both seen me on these days. they have sort of waited to see if it was a reaction to going off of meds (which it apparently has been), but now i'm wondering if there's something more.
hmm. . .i think i _should_ bring it up at my next appointment. thanks for suggesting it. :)
Posted by bookgurl99 on October 2, 2003, at 22:49:07
In reply to Depakote for migraine, Day 1 , posted by bookgurl99 on September 18, 2003, at 15:48:28
Ok --
I've been on 500 mgs depakote for about a week.
I'm concerned, as the last few days I've been feeling a little dizzy and groggy, despite nothing else changing in my life. Are these part of the 'liver problem' signs of Depakote's more dangerous side effects, or should I chalk it up to a normal side effect or something else?
I'm feeling wonderful on this med, so I'm really not wanting to give it up.
Posted by katia on October 2, 2003, at 23:43:09
In reply to depakote update/fears, posted by bookgurl99 on October 2, 2003, at 22:49:07
I am much more sluggish and easily exhausted on Depakote. This could be a s/e for you.
I would ask your doctor.
katia
p.s. glad to hear it's working for you.
This is the end of the thread.
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