Bipolars Only Online Support Group

My psychiatrist has started me out on the first mood stabilizer I have ever been on, 500mg of Depakote. Never having been on this before or a mood stabilizer for that matter because I was not treating my bipolar like I should have been, I was looking for any input on this medication. I want to know the good the bad and the ugly of it. Yesterday was exactly 3 weeks on it. I seem to be in a some what better mood but I don't know if that is just me cycling or the medication. I still get slightly aggitated easily. All input is very much appreciated!

i dont know about depakote i know i was put on it in the hospital. it dident do so good with me, i started to have nighmares and they had me on toxic levels . when i got out o the hospital i quit taking it. i did have witdraws from it it was short lived. my next hosptial stay i was put on lithium and geodon ive done well with that

I've never gone on that one, I'm on Lamictal for a mood stabilizer. Watch it with your hair, I hear some people lose it a little. You will get some feedback from others that have taken it soon. I wish you luck with this mood stabilizer!!

Thanks for the input I am just trying to gather all the information as I can. As for the hair loss I am already experiencing that from having a full hysterectomy 5 months ago which put me in menopause at 37 and hair loss is one of the side effects. Looks like I might need to find a fashionable wig for future use.

i been on depakote since first diagnosed 6 7 years now..it works for me with lithium an remeron combo latest mix . saved my arse my first manic state . er is extended relese. im now on 750 mg depakote. i hope it goes well for u also.

Hi guys. I am on depakote now. 500mg at night and I was put on it in place of seroquel during my first in patient stay. I was glad to come off the seroquel and the depakote seems to be ok but they recently added the lithium. It seems that even though it was a supposed to be a mood stabilizer, I needed something more extra. I actually feel a difference. I can stop myself from exploding in situations where I should (or my mind is telling me) telling me to blow up. I can calm myself down and talk rationally. I like that feeling. I also give a lot of credit to God and my therapist. The team I have finallyl seem to be on the same page and know what they are doing. They listen to me, watch my behavior and tell me the truth. Now that is called caring. I have children to take care of, so I cant take them not having me around cause I am constantly in the hospital. So, please continue to take what they give u. give it a chance and if it is a problem, then speak with your doctors and be honest with them. MUCH LOVE

I was recently diagnosed with bi polar and put on this medication. I feel no change in myself although my husband seems to think I am nicer.

This medication is the reason I came to this forum as well. I was diagnosed and put on it about a month ago. I still don't feel better and I still don't understand what bi polar is but my husband says I seem more level headed and nicer.

I'm on a 600 mg off Seroquel and 1000mg of Depakote, And I have to tell you that I feel great. It wasnt until my dr, added the depakote that I noticed a constant change in the way that I felt and the tings that I would do.

I have only been on it for a week but so far the only issues that I haev are restless legs and a constant ringing in my ears. But I had that when I was taking just Seroguel.

Another good thing that I can think of is that it seems to counter act the sleepy affect that I get from seroquel.

I have had success controlling the symptoms of my BP with Depakote. However, I have had a HUGE weight gain while on it. Now I am trying to get off and put on Lamictal. I have gone from 185lbs. to 270lbs. in 18 months, so watch for weight gain!

Jeff