bipolar meds(depakote) question???

[adozenroses]

Hi. Just been diagnosed with symptoms of bipolar and have been put on depakote 250mg. Firstly, has anyone taken this tablet and does it have any bad side effects? and, a general question if anyone knows, how long will I have to take medication for? Will I be on it for life?

I forgot to ask my Doctor, and she is very difficult to get hold of.

Thanks, in advance xx

Know nothing about this adozenroses, just bumping and wishing you luck.

I've never heard of it..does it have another name?

was it prescribed by a psychiatrist?

your own gp or cpn should be informed and you could ask them instead

here is some info on it...predominantly treats mania by the sound of it

is that your biggest problem?

An ex-boyfriend of mine takes this. He put on some weight but had no other side-effects that I know of.
I read a lot about bipolar disorder at the time but it's a few years ago now. I do remember finding info about his meds online - if you Google I'm sure you will find something.

Meds also known as Valroate Semisodium. I couldn't find too much on the net about it really.

I just wanted to know if I would be on them forever as the doctor didn't say. I am now getting this treatment through my surgery as my doctor knows a lot about bipolar. I just can't seem to get her on the phone for a bit of advice!!

it sounds as though you are in good hands then..quite unusual for a gp to be a bipolar specialist I should think

are you in the uk?

You probably need to look for the answer to that question in terms of bipolar disorder treatment in general rather than a particular medication, IYSWIM, as length of treatment is probably something that applies to all drugs for the disorder rather than a particular one.
Maybe the Bipolar Society website or similar?

I think my doctor has a family member with bipolar and just happens to know an awful lot about the subject, so she contacted the psychiatrist I saw to refer my file back to the surgery and she could help me further - also see me more often!

I know this medication may not work, but I was just wondering if I would have to be on some kind of medication for life.

oh, yes I'm in the UK.

well I don't think anyone can say

it is a very individual thing and people respond differently and manage their bipolarness in different ways

there is a big spectrum of meds and symptoms

some people have rapid cycles others long periods without any extreme behviours etc

some are predominantly dperessed and others the danger lies in mania

it is something which you can make a difference to by knowing yourself and experiemneting with things to have some control

Phone the MIND helpline if you need further info: 0845 766 0163. I think how long you're on meds reall depends on the nature of your bipolarism. My mum (severe bipolar) went through stages of being on and off meds and is now on them for the foreseeable future and is much happier that way. Otehr people hate being on meds and come off them as soon as possible.

Bear in mind that you may need to tweak your medication at first (and possibly at certain intervals) to get the right balance for you. So keep an eye on any side effects and get back to your GP asap if you have any problems.

HTH

Thanks for your help I will give them a ring.