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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Angielala on January 5, 2004, at 11:59:20
I'm withdrawing... and I'm going a little loopy and I'm scared and I'm very anxious right now.
I have been off Depakote for 5 days now after being on it over a year (and having it not activate). I'm still on Paxil, which will probably be changed to Wellbutrin in February.
Are there any tricks to ease withdrawl? Anything I can do to quiet my inner thoughts of fearing that I'm going to go crazy?
I have been quite depressed for several months now with no mania, hence feeling that the depakote was keeping my depression from lifting.
I'm at work and can hardly do anything. No one likes me at work... who would... I'm the girl who can't get into work on time and the girl who has anxiety attacks for no reason at random times.
I'm really lost right now.
PS. Mariposa... I think I know you.... did you grow up in NJ?
Posted by Sebastian on January 5, 2004, at 12:12:54
In reply to Finally off Depakote... and now really scared, posted by Angielala on January 5, 2004, at 11:59:20
take a smaller dose of depakote, about half for a while. half again. then stop. maybe you will also find a replacement for it. or maybe a smaller dose will work.
Posted by Angielala on January 5, 2004, at 13:32:24
In reply to Re: Finally off Depakote... and now really scared, posted by Sebastian on January 5, 2004, at 12:12:54
I was weening for a week and a half and then my doc gave me the ok to stop them all together.
We tried many different dsees as well as trying the Depakote ER.
I feel better in the way of already losing some of the weight I gained on Depakote, I feel more energized at times and I have an easier time waking in the mornings. Yet I have this tightness around my neck and sometimes i cannot walk straight.. as if I was having small tremors in my legs...
Has anyone else hear withdrawn from Depakote? IF so- what was your withdrawal like?
> take a smaller dose of depakote, about half for a while. half again. then stop. maybe you will also find a replacement for it. or maybe a smaller dose will work.
Posted by brussell on January 6, 2004, at 7:28:23
In reply to Finally off Depakote... and now really scared, posted by Angielala on January 5, 2004, at 11:59:20
Have you tried Lamictal? It is a pretty good mood stabilizer with some antidepressant effect. It has few to no side effects for many people.
Posted by Sebastian on January 6, 2004, at 11:53:31
In reply to Re: Finally off Depakote... and now really scared, posted by brussell on January 6, 2004, at 7:28:23
I never had a problem just stoping depakote, all to nothing. But I was also taking zyprexa at the time.
Posted by leopard on January 6, 2004, at 13:04:06
In reply to Finally off Depakote... and now really scared, posted by Angielala on January 5, 2004, at 11:59:20
Hi there,
What is your diagnosis? If you have manic depression, it probably isn't a good thing to be taking Paxil alone...unipolar meds suck for BP people (Beepers).
What are your symptoms without any medication ie; what led you to take meds in the first place?
Hang in there!
~Shannon
Posted by Angielala on January 6, 2004, at 13:15:18
In reply to Re: Finally off Depakote... and now really scared » Angielala, posted by leopard on January 6, 2004, at 13:04:06
BP runs in my family. I had had a couple month-long manias (which weren't as bad as some manic people I know) followed by a deep deep depression. At the same time I was being sexually harassed at work by my boss, which added to the situation. They had me on Paxil, and I began showing sign of BPII- rapid cycling and such. Hence the Depakote. I was on the Depakote for over a year- yet I still had mixed episodes. For about 4 months my cycles have slowed, yet I have this depression that I can't shake. Soooooo... the plan is to get off the Depakote- the side effects were killing me- I was sleepy ALL the time, I could sleep anywhere at anytime- which is very surprising since before I went on the meds i was a complete Insomniac- for my whole life. I gained 30 pounds, have no energy (I can't even carry grociers up stairs without taking a break!) Once I'm stabilized off of the Depakote, I'm going to be weening off Paxil and at the same time be put on Wellbutrin. The idea is that Wellbutrin will help with the depression, since the Paxil wasn't activating. Also- Wellbutrin has been know to be affective in Bipolar II patients because it doesn't cause rapid cycling as Paxil or an AD would. I guess my depression is more of a dopamine thing. Also, the Wellburtin is supposed to have less severe side effects (Sorry- but I can't wait until i want to have sex again) and will help with my ADHD as well...
It's a long process, and it's bold, I know, but I have been a zombie for over a year and I just know I am not me, know what I mean? The meds turned me into a numb zombie.... someone without any motivation or cares.
So I'm in limbo... today I feel better than yesterday, but I have that guard up- as if a bad swing could come at anytime or the withdrawal symptoms will come back with a vengence.
I get worried- I'm so glad i have this board to share...
> Hi there,
>
> What is your diagnosis? If you have manic depression, it probably isn't a good thing to be taking Paxil alone...unipolar meds suck for BP people (Beepers).
>
> What are your symptoms without any medication ie; what led you to take meds in the first place?
>
> Hang in there!
>
> ~Shannon
Posted by leopard on January 6, 2004, at 13:42:57
In reply to Re: Finally off Depakote... and now really scared, posted by Angielala on January 6, 2004, at 13:15:18
OK, so you are more than half way to recovery...you have the correct diagnosis. When I took Paxil (before I knew I was BPII) I wanted to, and did, sleep 12 hours...easily...a day. I was tired ALL the time...sounds like you have a bad combo of meds...
I also took Wellbutrin and initially I really liked it but I was still anxious...it's a great thing for getting you "reved up!" ;)
I then tried Effexor with the Wellbutrin, then just the Effexor, which I also liked but still had the negative thoughts and anxiety. I am now taking Geodon exclusively and I love it.
Good luck in this journey for mental stability!
Posted by Angielala on January 7, 2004, at 8:32:50
In reply to Re: Finally off Depakote... and now really scared » Angielala, posted by leopard on January 6, 2004, at 13:42:57
I hope I'm halfway!
I can't wait to feel rev'ed again.... it's been soooo long!
> OK, so you are more than half way to recovery...you have the correct diagnosis. When I took Paxil (before I knew I was BPII) I wanted to, and did, sleep 12 hours...easily...a day. I was tired ALL the time...sounds like you have a bad combo of meds...
>
> I also took Wellbutrin and initially I really liked it but I was still anxious...it's a great thing for getting you "reved up!" ;)
>
> I then tried Effexor with the Wellbutrin, then just the Effexor, which I also liked but still had the negative thoughts and anxiety. I am now taking Geodon exclusively and I love it.
>
> Good luck in this journey for mental stability!
This is the end of the thread.
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