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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Mr.Scott on March 19, 2002, at 21:34:40
Hello and thanks for offering any feedback here.
Is there anyone here who hasn't gained weight from these two?
How much weight?
How about Constipation from Depakote, is that typically a problem also?
Scott
Posted by JohnX2 on March 19, 2002, at 22:04:04
In reply to Lithium and Depakote side effect question, posted by Mr.Scott on March 19, 2002, at 21:34:40
I did not gain weight nor get constipated from Depakote. I did however get weird bowel movements.
Alas it was a placebo for mood stabilization (the only placebo mood stabilizer response in my pocket). I think my liver gave it the boot or something. I dunno.I may try lithium soon...see if I can curb these residual hypomania crapuoles.
Hope you are doing well. Good to hear from you. ;)
best regards
John
> Hello and thanks for offering any feedback here.
>
> Is there anyone here who hasn't gained weight from these two?
>
> How much weight?
>
> How about Constipation from Depakote, is that typically a problem also?
>
> Scott
Posted by Ritch on March 19, 2002, at 23:49:55
In reply to Lithium and Depakote side effect question, posted by Mr.Scott on March 19, 2002, at 21:34:40
> Hello and thanks for offering any feedback here.
>
> Is there anyone here who hasn't gained weight from these two?
>
> How much weight?
>
> How about Constipation from Depakote, is that typically a problem also?
>
> ScottDepakote will give you the worst weight gain of any mood stabilizer. I gained about 20 lbs on 500mg/day. I am on 125-250mg/day now, and haven't noticed any yet, but I am also on dexedrine.
Mitch
Posted by ST on March 20, 2002, at 4:05:30
In reply to Lithium and Depakote side effect question, posted by Mr.Scott on March 19, 2002, at 21:34:40
Hi,
I didn't gain any weight and have not been constipated from Depakote...what's your experience?
ST
Posted by Cletus(2) on March 21, 2002, at 7:27:40
In reply to Re: Lithium and Depakote side effect question, posted by ST on March 20, 2002, at 4:05:30
I personally have noticed a slight weight gain from taking 1000mg of Depakote over the past 6 months but nothing drastic. I definetly feel that it relaxes me and stimulates my appetite a little bit so I have to just watch what I eat a bit more. It is very controllable. I use to not really be into eating sugary stuff before on the other meds I have been on (SSRI's and such), but with Depakote I sometimes get cravings that I use to never get (kind of like the munches you get with alcohol). It is not bad at all, but noticeable. I just limit my junk food buying at the store now. Other than this minor side effect, it is a good, effective drug.
Posted by Chloe on March 21, 2002, at 18:45:55
In reply to Lithium and Depakote side effect question, posted by Mr.Scott on March 19, 2002, at 21:34:40
I am always hungry on Depakote, and have gained about 5 pounds. But my biggest complaint is the hair loss. My hair is really thinning. And it's everywhere, on the floor, my pillow, shower...
I take zinc and selenium. Does anyone have any insight on how long this thinning continues? Will my body adjust and start going hair again, or am I going to have to shop for a wig?
(BTW, Scott, Lithium, IMHO is much more tolerable than Depakote. But Dep is great for the rapid cycling. Can't deny it.)
Please, any info on hair thinning would be so appriciated.
Chloe
Posted by Joanie on March 22, 2002, at 15:31:32
In reply to Re:Li,Depakote (hair loss) side effect question, posted by Chloe on March 21, 2002, at 18:45:55
I took Depakote sprinkle for several months and lost gobs of hair. It came out in the shower, on my pillow, when I brushed it, hell when I touched it, literally. My hair thinned a great deal, so I stopped taking it. I was afraid I might go bald. It took months, but now a year later I have the thick hair I once had. I didn't like Depakote.
Posted by Kristin on March 23, 2002, at 14:20:57
In reply to Re:Li,Depakote (hair loss) side effect question, posted by Joanie on March 22, 2002, at 15:31:32
I had the same thing happen to on Depakote. I thought that it was from highlighting my hair too much, but it turns out it was the medication. Why can't someone invent a Bipolar II medication that doesnt cause hair to fall out, glaucoma, skin rashes, or the "dumb effect"!!!!
Posted by Chloe on March 23, 2002, at 20:30:14
In reply to Re:Li,Depakote (hair loss) side effect question, posted by Kristin on March 23, 2002, at 14:20:57
> I had the same thing happen to on Depakote. I thought that it was from highlighting my hair too much, but it turns out it was the medication. Why can't someone invent a Bipolar II medication that doesnt cause hair to fall out, glaucoma, skin rashes, or the "dumb effect"!!!!
I am on a really low dose of depakote, 250mgs/day. So I am hoping and praying that my body will adjust to the dose, and my hair will regrow or at least stop falling out so rapidly.I am so discourged about side effects. Every mood stabilizer gives me such unpleasant side effects that I tend to go off them and my life goes into the trash heap! So I just feel so strongly, and so does my pdoc and loved ones that I should stay on the depakote...Is there anyone out there who has stayed on depakote for more than a few months and seen the hair loss level off? Anyone else with personal experiences?
Thanks so much all
Chloe
Posted by Ritch on March 23, 2002, at 21:36:46
In reply to Re:Depakote does hair loss slow over time?, posted by Chloe on March 23, 2002, at 20:30:14
> > I had the same thing happen to on Depakote. I thought that it was from highlighting my hair too much, but it turns out it was the medication. Why can't someone invent a Bipolar II medication that doesnt cause hair to fall out, glaucoma, skin rashes, or the "dumb effect"!!!!
>
>
> I am on a really low dose of depakote, 250mgs/day. So I am hoping and praying that my body will adjust to the dose, and my hair will regrow or at least stop falling out so rapidly.
>
> I am so discourged about side effects. Every mood stabilizer gives me such unpleasant side effects that I tend to go off them and my life goes into the trash heap! So I just feel so strongly, and so does my pdoc and loved ones that I should stay on the depakote...Is there anyone out there who has stayed on depakote for more than a few months and seen the hair loss level off? Anyone else with personal experiences?
>
> Thanks so much all
> Chloe
Hi Chloe,Well my hair doesn't seem to fall out more on Depakote, but I am starting to gain a little weight on it again. On the 250mg hs dosage I need an alarm clock to wake up, but I feel pretty calm most of the day and I don't feel like fighting with my boss. Sometimes I think that you just have to kick back and accept a little crap for a while..until something new comes along to try. Nowadays, at least, there seems to be something new and promising showing up every few months or so. My biggest grouch with Depakote is that it *worsens* my dyslexic tendencies. I find myself flipping vowels, etc., constantly, and having to back-up and fix stuff on the fly. You sound like you are feeling better despite everything. Well...lithium is cave-age technology, and Depakote is 1970's technology..maybe something as effective with less troublesome sfx is around the corner..
Mitch
Posted by Chloe on March 24, 2002, at 9:48:56
In reply to Re:Depakote does hair loss slow over time? » Chloe, posted by Ritch on March 23, 2002, at 21:36:46
> Hi Chloe,
>
> Well my hair doesn't seem to fall out more on Depakote, but I am starting to gain a little weight on it again. On the 250mg hs dosage I need an alarm clock to wake up, but I feel pretty calm most of the day and I don't feel like fighting with my boss. Sometimes I think that you just have to kick back and accept a little crap for a while..until something new comes along to try. Nowadays, at least, there seems to be something new and promising showing up every few months or so. My biggest grouch with Depakote is that it *worsens* my dyslexic tendencies. I find myself flipping vowels, etc., constantly, and having to back-up and fix stuff on the fly. You sound like you are feeling better despite everything. Well...lithium is cave-age technology, and Depakote is 1970's technology..maybe something as effective with less troublesome sfx is around the corner..
>
> MitchThanks Mitch
Your posts always have a way of settling me down, and seeing the larger picture!
Depakote has been very helpful with the rapid cycles, and seems to be the only med that puts a cap on the anger outbursts. That being said, it really messes up my sleep and makes me constantly hungry, and thins my hair! But I think stability is worth these costs.AND (dinasaur) drug amitrip does helps some with the sleep disturbance. AND the flaxseed oil is stopping my burning scalp! I don't want to celebrate too soon, but today I have my hair in a braid! I have not been able to do this for months and months, and I have been able to increase the neurontin to 500 mg/day. So in that sense, I am thrilled. Clearly I was not getting enough of the right fats in my diet, and a tablespoon and a half (it's alot!!!) of FSO has improved things emmensely. Also, I think the FSO has so AD qualities. After I have supper with a TBS of my oil, I often feel really high! I start planning stuff to do, and am thinking of adding some stuff to my schedule, laughing a lot(giddy)...But I am being warned to slow down and be more patient. That this could be a bubble (hypo?).
So yes, things are looking up for me at the moment. How are you doing with the flaxseed oil and the Sam-e? I am sorry the dep gives you the letter swap! That can be really time consuming to stay on top of.
Thanks for answering.
Chloe
Posted by Ritch on March 24, 2002, at 14:37:53
In reply to Re:Depakote does hair loss slow over time? » Ritch, posted by Chloe on March 24, 2002, at 9:48:56
> Thanks Mitch
> Your posts always have a way of settling me down, and seeing the larger picture!
> Depakote has been very helpful with the rapid cycles, and seems to be the only med that puts a cap on the anger outbursts. That being said, it really messes up my sleep and makes me constantly hungry, and thins my hair! But I think stability is worth these costs.
>
> AND (dinasaur) drug amitrip does helps some with the sleep disturbance. AND the flaxseed oil is stopping my burning scalp! I don't want to celebrate too soon, but today I have my hair in a braid! I have not been able to do this for months and months, and I have been able to increase the neurontin to 500 mg/day. So in that sense, I am thrilled. Clearly I was not getting enough of the right fats in my diet, and a tablespoon and a half (it's alot!!!) of FSO has improved things emmensely. Also, I think the FSO has so AD qualities. After I have supper with a TBS of my oil, I often feel really high! I start planning stuff to do, and am thinking of adding some stuff to my schedule, laughing a lot(giddy)...But I am being warned to slow down and be more patient. That this could be a bubble (hypo?).
>
> So yes, things are looking up for me at the moment. How are you doing with the flaxseed oil and the Sam-e? I am sorry the dep gives you the letter swap! That can be really time consuming to stay on top of.
>
> Thanks for answering.
> Chloe
Chloe,Hey no problem, I am glad that the flaxseed stuff is helping. I did notice some mood flattening effects after a few days. I really need to bump it up (double it) to about 2G daily. Maybe one gelcap at lunch and one in the evening (not too close to bedtime). I haven't taken any Celexa since last Wednesday, so maybe I could tolerate doubling the flax without it upsetting my stomach. I am sort of on a panic "watch" so to speak. I am keeping the Dep.+Neurontin+Klon.+Dex. dosage the same (all lowdose), and see what happens with the flax and SAMe without the Celexa. That would be 3 mood stabilizers + pstim + supplements. Well, the Depakote does the best at quelling mixed dysphoric stuff, the Neurontin does the best for bipolar depression (of the MS meds), the Klonopin works the best of anything for panic and SP symptoms, and the dexedrine works the best for bipolar depression (of anything I have ever tried), the dex also doesn't trigger cycling like standard AD's do. So, I am on four "best of anything else" meds for multiple symptoms. I have been monitoring my complex mood chart over the last week, and I can see a flattening pattern since I dropped the Celexa-I just don't want panic to return. The dex. doesn't make me "freeze" around other people, I am a little impressed with that, I expected something just like Adderall. When I had that spacey episode with the dex a while back it was in *combination* with Celexa. Without the Celexa I am not feeling at all *wired* on it.
Wow, you got your hair in a braid! Signs of progress methinks,Mitch
Posted by debbieb414 on September 23, 2003, at 21:37:27
In reply to Lithium and Depakote side effect question, posted by Mr.Scott on March 19, 2002, at 21:34:40
I started taking Depakote ER (1000mg) in February and have since gained fifty-five pounds, which for me is absolutely absurd. It's very disappointed, though, because the drug works fabulously otherwise!
This is the end of the thread.
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