new meds

[woody9270]

Hello---i have been diagnosed with bi-polar and depression---was taking triliptal 900 mg a day--suboxone for drug addiction and 100mg zoloft per day also 300 mg seroquil----still having racing thoughts and depression to where i don't want to bath or brush my teeth even--i am a writer and can't do that either--BIG WORRIER---Went back to doc. and am now on the zoloft-seroquil and instead of triliptal he wants me to try depakote--500 mg twice a day----i have been on several different meds in the last 6 months--any help on the effects of the Depakote would be appreciated---I feel like they will never get the meds right and i am spiraling down--just want to eat,sleep and lay on the couch--THANKS SO MUCH

[woody9270]

Thanks to everyones feedback--probably in my head but i swear i feel better after the depakote-zoloft-seroquil combo after only 3 days...

[lindahand]

It took me 3 years before I got a med combo that worked. There are a lot of options out there and sometimes it takes a while to get them right. You also need to be realistic. Side effects suck but being MI for me ***** more. There is no such thing as a 'perfect' med unfortunately. There should be a med or combo of meds that will help you get off the couch, and feel like bathing. I've been there and it is tough. But as Darlene said 'it is tough but you are tougher'.

And even if meds don't work this is an episodic illness, eventually, even untreated, it will go away. It may feel like it will last forever but it won't.

[darlenedaisy]

Hang in there woody, took me 5 years to find a good med fit. Just dont give up, it is a complicated process as the doc tries to work with your unique body chemistry. Takes time. Congrats on treating your addiction, been there done that too  :)   I am cheering for you, and sending compassion you way because i DO understand. It is tough, but you are tougher. We will beat this beast. Hugs

[rBoulet]

Depakote didn't work for me but I've heard wonderful stories about it helping many people with bipolar live better lives. I hope it works for you, after depakote my doctor put me on lithium which works pretty well for me, maybe you could talk to them about that? Just a thought, good luck!

[BipolarBear75]

Hi, well Depakote is a great idea as it is a mood stabilizer. That is what everyone needs...at least one stabilizer. I am on two...because I can't take the seroquel and other anitpsychotics. Depakote could cause # Nausea, Headaches, Drowsiness Vomiting Weakness Dizziness but not necessarily.

If Depakote doesn't work for you after awhile of trying it out, there are other mood stabilizers out there that your doctor can switch you to. At first it is discouraging if the meds don't work but once you have a "cocktail" that works....it feels like you can actually forget about bipolar disorder for a little while :)