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.

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How long for a med to work?

Redsgal21
Redsgal21
Sorry I know I've asked this before but how long do you normally give your body to get adjusted to a new med? My new p doc wants me to try depakote again. I tried it a few months back at 500 mg er and it made me so tired and achy I had to stop. My new p doc wants me to try 250 dr. I took it last night with my trazodone like he told me to and it made me really achy with chest tightness and tired but my mind didn't shut off and I don't think my trazodone worked as well.

I don't know if I should call my p doc or give it a few days. I really wish I wasn't so med sensitive.
Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
I would call your pharmacy and ask them... Trazodone amped me up too much....It's an AD
There doesn't seem to be interactions between the two that are discussing achiness... It may be a side effect that's not as regular... Your pharmacist can let you know... Big hug...x
Redsgal21
Redsgal21
Thank you. I actually just put a call in to my p doc. They are going to call me back after talking to him. I was thinking maybe my body aching was just part of me getting use to it? I figured it was best to just check in with the doctor.
dancingd
dancingd
When I started Depakote I felt a bit wonky. I'd say give it some time, unless the side effects are unbearable.

Depakote is one of the older , more tried and true mood stabilizers.

Yes, there are side effects, like all BP med, but usually the body tolerates Depakote pretty well.

Good luck
Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
Achy may be something else altogether .. Our bodies can be reactive when we're ill.. Not necessarily med related
dancingd
dancingd
I just Googled Depakote
Muscle aches and pains and fatigue are common in the beginning

They should subside in a few weeks
Redsgal21
Redsgal21
Thank you both so much. I'm really hoping my body adjusts because I really need a mood stabilizer. I did check my temp and it's fine. I did wonder if I was coming down with something.
bookmaven
bookmaven
i started on depakote reccently too and noticed immediate changes - aches and fatigue mostly. i know these are common side effects. i did a search in the treatments thread and saw that many people on DS had these symptoms and adjusted eventually, though someone had switched to sprinkles to adjust more slowly to reintroduce the medication and had fewer side effects that way. i hope you don't have side effects for too long. good luck!
sadiegirl13
sadiegirl13
It depends on the med. Usually several weeks, but I would do as Jan said and call a pharmacist or your doc.
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