Divalproex

I'm posting to see if anyone has had success with Divalproex aka Divalproex Sodium? I was put on it for my irritability mixed hypomanic states. I was just switched from Lithium because both negative effects (crankiness) and it made me quite ill. I would love have some feedback of any kind.

Kindly,
LCC

[bernie40]

I was on Depakote (same thing) for a year and I'm still on it now, although on a lower dose as I'm now taking Lithium also.

My personal experience of it was that on a dose of 1000mg I became very sluggish and "vacant", I seemed to lose my personality and felt spaced out all the time.  I dropped the dose to 750mg and was much better on that dose.  It did seem to even my moods out a little but it did nothing for the depressive side of things.  I also noticed I put on water weight on 1000mg but I did lose it when on the lower dose.

I've heard people mention hair loss but I never experienced that, in fact the opposite in that my hair got thicker and also my nails became stronger!

It is a good med but does need a little tweaking to get the right dose for the individual.

[stubby226]

Wouldn't it be nice if a medications would affect us humans in the same manner?  I also was on Depakote for years.  It took a feww months before I stabilized out.  The medication helped with my mood swings.  It was not a 100% effect, 100% of the time.  One of the big draw backs is Depakote is hard on the liver.  I have heard of people not having very good results and others having fantastic results.  I was put on Lithuim after I had to stop the depakote because of my liver.  I do not feel the Lithuim is as effective for me but it is better then nothing.  I am also on an antidepressant which is not uncommon for patients to be placed on a mood stabilizer and an antodeppressant.  It is bet to let doc know and to question her about options.  I wish you the best of luck getting stabilized.

[LeftCoastChick]

Thanks folks :)

I'm on 125mg to start and to titrate up every 5 days until I get to 600mgs. Boy did I feel sleepy this morning, and still feel sorta spacey, but my pdoc said that would go away. I darned hope so. I was also moved over to Seroquel XR.  He said because of my Borderline Diabetes aka glucose intolerance. Thiese drugs  would be a better alternative. Lol I wouldn't mind losing a bit o' hair, I have such a thick mop of hair!  I'll keep a close eye on the liver issues, my gp said she wants to do tests every month now with any drug I am on now, since I've got sugar issues.

The worst thing that's going on right now is irritability and having a short fuse. Though I've had this for years, and mostly hold my tongue, yet I still have the thoughts and occasionally loose my temper. I laughed when he told me I have "backpack" syndrome.  He asked if certain things bother me, like someone wearing a large backpack on public transit ,lineups, and people walking too slowly on the street. All three of those things bug the heck out of me! He said it was pretty common with BP folks, and he's seen the most success on this drug. I've developed a bit more trust in him, so I'm going to give it a go!

The Lamactil I'm on is doing wonders for my depression, miracle drug in my books. It's been a whole month without depression! I'm hoping this combo will work. I broached the option of Topomax (topamax), but he said unless all of the options are tried, he wouldn't prescribe it. He said I would have a high risk of psychosis with my history. Though I think if this doesn't work, I'll broach the subject :)

Thanks again for the input, it's most appreciated :)
LCC