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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Disturbed420 02/16/2008

I have been on Valproic Acid for biopolar since October 2007. I started at the lowest dose and now i am on 750mg. I find its starting to work better now that the dose has been increased. Prior I was on Lamictal and I really found it was working well for me. The only problem was the fact I couldn't get it covered and it pretty costly so my doctor switched me to Valproic Acid , which is a lot cheaper. I won't have any benifts after April. NE WAYS LOL I just really wanna know other peoples opinions on this drug and how it has worked for them etc. Pls send me some feedback Thanks :)

deleted_user 02/16/2008

so far i like depakote.. makes my brain clear and happy.. well, an acceptable amount of happy.

only thing is i've been incredibly itchy, with little red patches on my skin. i know,i know, i'm retarded and should get it checked out. but i like feeling clear-headed.

Disturbed420 02/16/2008

I have never herd of that. how long have you been on that? I am new to this who biopolar stuff.

deleted_user 02/16/2008

valproic acid is depakote

deleted_user 02/16/2008

i've only been on it 2-3 weeks. yes shalom is right, they are the same stuff.

deleted_user 02/16/2008

Do research on Depakote if you plan on having children. Gave me PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and made me infertile. By the Grace of God, we did conceive when I was 37. But, just be aware. That and weight gain were my two negatives with Depakote (aka Valproic Acid).

deleted_user 02/16/2008

if you are losing all health coverage you might want to look at lithium as an alternative, it is a $4 prescription at Wal-mart and so is Tegretol. A few antiepressants are covered too. Google discount prescriptions at Wal-Mart. Depakote (Valproic Acid) is a good med though.

Disturbed420 02/16/2008

I find its really hard for me to loose weight on it. I gained a bit of weight on it but hopfully wont be anymore.
My bad didn'y know Depakote was Valproic Acid. told ya's I new at this.. :S

deleted_user 02/16/2008

do docs still check your blood for lithium levels? or do they just do that in initial treatment?

deleted_user 02/16/2008

yeah, they still check your blood levels but not so much after you have been stable for quite a while.

penny59 02/16/2008

i have been on it now for a few months just had my dose increased and i am doing really well now. feeling alot better.. i also take topomax for another medical problem and have actually lost weight ..so i havnt gained weight(yet)on it.. good luck..marie

penny59 02/16/2008

sorry i take 1000mg ..once aday...

deleted_user 02/16/2008

I take 750mg a day too. So far I am feeling a little more level (I have been on it for a month or so now) I haven't had any severe side effects, just my more hair then usual is falling out, but other then that things are ok.

dancingd 02/16/2008

Depakote gave me my life back...I've been through about almost every BP med imaginable!
Depakote does has some side effects..as all meds do.BUT,I feel so much better !I have had some hair loss,but I haven't gained any weight.

If you plan on getting pregnate..DO NOT TAKE DEPAKOTE!!Go to the green bar at the top of the page,TREATMENTS...under Depakote,you'll find it on page 2..read up on side effects.
Good luck,it has stopped my mixed episodes and racing thoughts.
Go to the

Disturbed420 02/16/2008

so it shouldn't impact you having kids in the future?

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