depakote and abililify

[maebw]

after over 20 yrs. of being treated for depression, ADHD, drug and alcohol addiction i'm now being treated for rapid cycling bipolar. (2 yrs.) i've been off and on depakote,the diagnosis seems good,, i'm currently taking 2 grams a day. i do better on medication but still struggle with focus, completeing tasks, starting new projects, anxiousness, worry. the doc and i are considering adding Abilify to the Depakote. anyone out there tried it. my understanding: it works best added to an antidepressant which Depakote isn't. Side effects?? thanks. keep takkin' your meds, don't miss your appts. and keep building your support group. Be careful who you share your mental health with, people love to pigeon-hole you.

[otis69]

I am presently on Abilify and I am the poster child for it! I do take it with Cymbalta and have found it to be WONDERFUL! I'm not sure how it will work out with Depakote (I couldn't take that stuff) but as an additive with an antidepressant it has been great. Good luck on your quest for info...otis

[ILADVOCATE]

Abilify is an antipsychotic with mood stabilization effects. It is the antipsychotic least likely to cause weight gain. It can work added to any medication your psychiatrist thinks is appropriate. If you've had trouble tolerating Depakoate, Lamictal is another option which is less likely to cause weight gain and cognitive confusion. You could ask your psychiatrist about that. If you want to know what the specific side effects are and/or more information on any psychiatric medication a good website such as we have on the links page like "Depression Central" (for all mood disorders) is a good start. Complete information on any medication is listed on the medication website and almost all new medications have one. The pharmacy should give you a hand out as well.