Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

8,884 Members
129,557 Posts
0 Online
Mental Health
/ Bipolar Disorder Support Group

How long does it take?

Redsgal21
Redsgal21
How long does it take for everyone to get use to a new med? Sorry for asking the same questions but as many of you know I'm very med sensitive and afraid of trying new ones. I've tried depakote ER 500 mg for 2 days and the exhaustion is awful. I'm suppose to go for a walk once a day and couldn't even manage to shower the past 2 days.
sadiegirl13
sadiegirl13
For me it can take weeks. I'm very sensitive as well
nobody666
nobody666
a kind of un written standard is 2 weeks most often BUT some are longer some much shorter. The main things to remember is everyone is different and until a medication level is adjusted to you and your body / mind it could take months.

Keeping a daily journal of your health is a great aid in helping you and your care provider in determining what changes need to be made. Living with any ailment is a full time job and life long challenge.

Best wishes to you in your lifes journey.
tommymott
tommymott
Are you using the depakote as a mood stabilizer? My son takes it for petit mal seizures and he sleeps all the time. Have you considered lithium? It works well for me.
Redsgal21
Redsgal21
It's technically prescribed by my neurologist for migraine prevention. I saw my p doc last week and told him about my mood swings. He upped my trazodone. He told me if I wanted to start the depakote for migraines it would also help level me out.

Honestly I don't think my p doc was much help to me. I had mentioned that lamictal had helped me 10 years ago but I stopped taking it because I thought I was ok. It was prescribed by a different doctor. He seemed unwilling to discuss it further. I've been seeing him for 8 years but I think it might be time for a change.

I know myself and I know I need a mood stabilizer along with the trazodone.
Redsgal21
Redsgal21
I've never tried lithium.
dancingd
dancingd
Depakote is an excellent mood stabilizer.

500 mg is a pretty low dose, so side effects should pass quickly.

Give it some more time, like other people have said , usually 2 weeks
Community Leaderacuriousfish
acuriousfish
2 weeks is the standard for anti-depressents.

bipolar meds can be quicker or alot longer in action and initial side effects.

I don't know the timing for valproate.
Posts You May Be Interested In
  • Community Leaderacuriousfish

    Struggling...

    Posted by: acuriousfish
    Last Reply: acuriousfish
    5
    I find myself going places in the car and not wanting to get out of the car. I come back home and I don't want to get out of the car. I think it's the only time I spend reflecting. Chronic tiredness from Long Covid plus the immunosupressing meds for my Crohn's is slowing me down but everything just seems a massive effort. I am dealing with the paperwork following my father's death but it's not...
  • GTTMbutstillme

    Wednesday Check In

    Posted by: GTTMbutstillme
    Last Reply: GTTMbutstillme
    4
    Wow, it's the middle of the week already!Today is our 11 year anniversary, so we're going out to a nice dinner.  I'm losing a lot of sleep these days, hence a wonky schedule and uncomfortable feelings.  But I know it will pass, eventually.I hope all of you have a peaceful day, and may good things come your way!