Depakote/Lithium question

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-19-2004
Depakote/Lithium question
5
Sun, 05-08-2005 - 10:19am

hi again!


last week my pdoc said he may need to put me on depakote or lithium.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 05-08-2005 - 10:38am

Hi Beth,


I've only been on lithium 10 days now but so far so good. At first I was very afraid of it although I can't exactly explain why. My p/tdoc told me to take it w/ protien or a milk product, the one day I didn't I was sick the next day. I've noticed minor hand tremors and they pass quickly. It hasnt been long but like I said so far so good. My p/tdoc and I talked about Depakote and she told me that it "would" make me gain weight and that is the reason I choose not to go on it.


Good luck to you.


Hugs & Prayers,



Danielle


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Hugs & Positive Thoughts Always,

Avatar for schitz
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-06-2004
Sun, 05-08-2005 - 4:30pm

Well if you know crazy meds, you know how it is there. Things aren't entirely serious. I am currently on Depakote/Epival. I intially gained 6 lbs and was freaking, but I have managed to lose 10 since.

All or almost all these meds can mess with you liver or kidney and thyroid.

My hair is still here.

So far not tired, but take it at night.

From what I've been told lithium will make you hypersexual.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2005
Sun, 05-08-2005 - 10:00pm

pretty much the same with lithium! im on it now but im about to be off it! im slightly toxic and im miserable. i gonna call pdoc as soon as the sun hits the sky. i lost 20lbs before the lith and ive gained every stinkin one back in a matter of weeks. its a shame really cause its actually was working.

maybe it will work better for you. good luck!

valerie

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-24-2003
Mon, 05-09-2005 - 11:58am

Beth:

I am a few days behind on this, but thought I would add my $.02.

I have been on lithium for 1 1/2 years now. It is my miracle drug. I know there are others here that feel the same way about it. Initially, I did put on some weight, but I was able to control that after the 2nd month. The first week I was on it I wanted to do nothing but sleep. Then, the lethargy and other side effects (frequent urination, nausea, tremor) started to go away. By the 2nd month, the only thing different between the pre-lithium and post-lithium me was the fact that I was gloriously stable. The best part is that the stability began within the first week. At this point, I have almost no side effects what-so-ever unless I don't drink enough water, eat with my pills, or if I cut my salt intake. Then, I will get nauseous. Usually, if I get sick to my stomach, I can fix it quickly by eating some saltines and drinking a bottle of water. The only side effects that haven't gone away are moderate acne from time to time and facial hair which I am going to either have lasered off or have electrolosis. It isn't so bad that I look like the bearded lady (LOL) but I do have to tweeze it frequently...and am tired of it LOL.

I would give the lithium a try. I know my pdoc has told me that he starts ALL of his BP patients on lithium because of every BP med out there, it is the one he sees working with the most peope with the least side effects. If lithium doesn't work, he switches them to the depakote. Beyond that, he almost never needs to go to a 3rd med...and he mainly treats BP patients and has been since 1971.

Good luck!
Tracey

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-23-2004
Mon, 05-09-2005 - 7:23pm

Beth,


I've been on Depakote for about 7 or 8 months and its made a tremendous difference to me.