Depakote Withdrawals???

[nikki101024]

I have been on 250 mg depakote for 9 months for bipolar disorder. Besides the side effects I have enjoyed some benefits definitely from the medication in regards to stabilizing my mood. i got sick saturday night with what the ER doctor is assuming was the stomach flu - uncontrollable vomiting as the main symptom. I was fine for 48 hours and tonight the nausea is back, accompanied by racing heartbeat [150 bpm] and shortness or breath, dry mouth, etc. . . i havne't had a dose of depakote in 3 nights now, coudl this be cauing symptoms?

[nikki101024]

I didn't even realize I had stopped taking it, it was only because I take it with food and since I got sick on Saturday I havne't eaten. I know I need to try to get a little food in me and take it today. I haven't had any problem with fluids. It's my understnading that 250 mg is the lowest possible dose but I am also a very, very tiny person and when we tried to up my dose it did not agree with me at all. I am trying to push some gatorade right now to get some calories in me to stop the shakes then I guess I'll go for some cereal orr a protein bar to take the meds. Thanks for the replies.

[bernie40]

LCC is right in that you should not stop these meds "cold turkey", I do have to contradict her regarding the dose though (sorry LCC ), 250mg is a low dose, the average therapeutic dose being anything from 1000mg to 1500mg.

Are you not taking it because of the stomach flu or because you've been told not to?  If you are able to keep fluids/food down then I would advise starting your treatment again immediately.

[LeftCoastChick]

You bet, anything  psychotropic drug that you stop cold turkey, especially at that high a dose of Dep., wiill cause that. Does your doctor know? Is it because you're feeling better? That's one of the cycles, many BP'er do that, and crash badly after that. The more you do that, the harder it is to treat. I would get back on the med and talk to your doctor. Non-compliance of medications will make it harder to get help.