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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by hanoj on June 9, 2010, at 20:15:04
My pdoc says Depakote is the next med he will try, replacing Trileptal, for my treatment-resistant bipolar depression. I am concerned as I have heard that Depakote has more anti-manic properties than anti-depressant. Also, I have heard about side effects such as hair loss, weight gain, and PCOS. I asked him how I would know if I developed PCOS, and he said menstrual irregularity, but I am on hormones all the time (for chronic ovarian cysts but not the PCOS syndrome), and therefore I don't have a period, so I am worried that I may have no obvious signs if PCOS were to develop. Can anyone tell me of anti-depressant benefits of Depakote or reassure me about prevalence of side effects -- in your experience, of course?
Posted by hanoj on June 9, 2010, at 20:21:56
In reply to Depakote dread, posted by hanoj on June 9, 2010, at 20:15:04
Sorry, for those who don't know, PCOS stands for polycystic ovarian syndrome, which affects the ovaries but is also a serious systemic metabolic syndrome.
Posted by morganator on June 9, 2010, at 22:18:15
In reply to Re: Depakote dread, posted by hanoj on June 9, 2010, at 20:21:56
Depakote is definitely more anti-manic than anti-depressive. This does not mean that it can not help with depression.
I'm assuming you have already tried lithium.
What about a combination of a low dose antidepressant with a mood stabilizer?
Posted by hanoj on June 11, 2010, at 16:40:26
In reply to Re: Depakote dread, posted by morganator on June 9, 2010, at 22:18:15
> Depakote is definitely more anti-manic than anti-depressive. This does not mean that it can not help with depression.
>
> I'm assuming you have already tried lithium.
>
> What about a combination of a low dose antidepressant with a mood stabilizer?Yes, besides the Trileptal I also taking lithium and other mood stabilizers.
I did try Symbyax (Zyprexa+Prozac) and (separately) Celexa.
I wonder if I didn't give the Symbyax enough of a chance. My doctor evaluates me once a month which is a little on the short side. I took the Celexa longer, so I feel more certain that it was not helping.
This is the end of the thread.
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