Medications or Physical?

[nasha]

I have been taking medications for 14 years for "treatment resistant" depression.  The meds. are Depakote (500 to 1000mg.daily) plus Tofranil (100mg.daily).  I was tried on every medication available before this regimen was started.  I had terrible reactions to the other meds., or they just didn't work.  Although I have been functional, I have been very depressed for the past few years.  The doctor had me discontinue the Tofranil about three months ago.  I tapered off fairly quickly and haven't taken it since that time.  He also had me discontinue the Depakote, while putting me on Lexapro 10mg. a day.  About a week after I went from 500mg. of Depakote to 125mg. per day, I woke up with intense agitation....At least that's how it seemed.  I felt as tho something was crawling inside of me, making me extremely edgy and restless.  My brain felt as though it had an electric current going through it and I was having horrible, obesessive thoughts.  My entire body felt as though I was on file and my heart was racing.  I couldn't go to work for two days, then barely made it through the rest of the week.  I finally decided to go back to 500mg. of Depakote for the past three days and I am feeling a little better.  I'm still not calm and still feel somewhat restless, agitated and anxious. I don't want to socialize, but don't want to sit still.... Would this be due to the Depakote?  Could the Lexapro be contributing?  I've been taking the Lexapro (10mg) for about two months now.  I would appreciate any information that someone could give me.  Thanks.

[donb_fl]

taper off Depakote very slowly, only do a 5-10% reduction a week in dosage.

[nasha]

Thank you for your reply; however, I think the lowest dosage that Depakote comes in is 125mg?  Also, I've been told that the pills are never to be cut or divided in anyway.  Why, I don't know.  This makes it soooo difficult to taper slowly.  I'm on 500mg. and can't seem to even reduce by 125mg. without withdrawal symptoms.  Great, huh?

[donb_fl]

unless your using the time release or extended release tabs, the can be split. If your on the release version get your @$% doctor to prescribe standard release. A compounding pharmacy can sometimes make different dosages too.