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depekote side effects!

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Posted 3/20/2008 1:09 AM (GMT 0)
I have been on Lamictal for about 3 years and now the doctor has changed me over to Depakote.  I am so affraid of the things I read about hair loss and weight gain.  This is stuff that causes me more anxiety.  Please let me know some of your side effects from this medication, is it good or bad.  I need some help.
Posted 3/20/2008 8:47 PM (GMT 0)
My daughter has just been weaned off the depakote, with no real problems.  Its does cause weight gain, she has lost 5 pounds, which is good.

Why are you being switched over?....... smurf ......

Posted 3/20/2008 10:39 PM (GMT 0)

They believe that the Lamictal is not working, but I have decided not to take the Depakote because I have Crohn's disease and am on a lot of immune suppresants and the side effects of the Depakote is not the side effects I can afford to have. 

Posted 3/21/2008 12:31 AM (GMT 0)
maggie,

The loss of hair is not that common, and it usually happens to people who have been on it for sometime. Now the weight gain is definitely a common side effect. It really depends from person to person how much weight you can gain and how fast you gain it. The positive side of Depakote is that is it really is a good stabilizer, it's the other things that people don't like.

I have been on Lithium for almost 2 years now. It too is supposed to make you gain mad weight, but so far I think I only gained about 15 pounds, but it is practically impossible to even lose an ounce.

Please do not hesitate to bring your questions and concerns to your doctor. Also, let us know how things go. :-)
Posted 3/21/2008 12:34 AM (GMT 0)
Maggiern:

Hello, Welcome to our board, glad you found us. I'm sure there are more of us who have experience with Depakote if you wait a day or so. I have none, but my advice would be to talk to your doc asap if you're going to skip the depakote. Without the Lamictal or anything you're "unprotected," if you will. I'm sure there's something else you could take. Everything has potential side effects though.

serafena
Posted 3/21/2008 12:39 AM (GMT 0)
I agree with Serafena, you don't want to end up off all your meds. Also, she is right all meds come with side effects and you never know which ones you'll have or not. Or worse, there have been times I had side effects that were not even thought of.
Posted 3/21/2008 3:45 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with Serafina, there are plenty of other mood stablizers out, and all our going to have side effects, that differ in each individual, htat you need to discusss with dr. As already stated do not leave yourself unprotected, continue the lamical, until you find something you and your doc agree upon. Doing without can be worse. The only side effect in my daughter was weight gain, no hair loss. There is topamax which weigh loss is a side effect. Geodon, plenty of others as your doctor.

Please let us know what happens, Im sorry for not welcmoning you, my name is Sheryl, my children both have bipolar, and I my self was taking topamax which helped, but i could no longer afford, however it is supoosed to go generic come sept. ANd I shall get back on it, I am on it for neuropathy, and I am missing it greatly!!!

Again welcome, please let us know how you do... smurf ....

Posted 3/21/2008 4:44 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all I am going to stay taking the Lamictal until I can work it out with the dr.  I am not a person who welcomes change and this was causing me anxiety so thanks.

Posted 3/21/2008 5:31 PM (GMT 0)
Less Anxiety the better off you will feel, you will work something out with the dr. Good Luck.. smurf ..
Posted 3/25/2008 6:09 PM (GMT 0)
nono  I put on 70 pounds using Depakote
Posted 3/25/2008 6:13 PM (GMT 0)
Yep thats one of its big side effects is weight gain.
Posted 3/26/2008 2:14 AM (GMT 0)
It makes my ears ring pretty loud. It also makes my hands and feet swell.
Posted 3/26/2008 4:50 PM (GMT 0)
Lost, that sounds more like a reaction then a side effect?

how long you been on it. My daughter and son are both no longer on it, but their only side effect was weight gain. The swelling you talk about haas me concerned, what does you dr say about that?

Posted 3/26/2008 11:54 PM (GMT 0)
sheryl, I guess it does sound like a reaction. I am going to see my doc tomorrow and am going to try and swith to something different. the ringing is unbearable sometimes
Posted 3/27/2008 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
Please let us know what the dr says. I am worrie about you, those are not typical side effects. Your in my prayers.... smurf ....
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