well, since we need more posts...

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-14-2005
well, since we need more posts...
4
Mon, 08-14-2006 - 10:11am
I hate these drugs!!! Seriously, I've been doing this for TWO MONTHS and I've gained SEVENTEEN pounds. I am so disgusted with myself. I quit depakote. Tonight.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Mon, 08-14-2006 - 10:38am

Hey...I refuse refuse refuse to take Depakote for the exact same reason...I did gain on Lithium, but not as quickly as you do on Depa. There are other options...keep that in mind. When do you see your pdoc again? Are you still rapid cycling?

k.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-14-2005
Mon, 08-14-2006 - 11:18am
Well, it's not all from depakote but... it's 11 from seroquel, 3 from risperdal. then i lost 4. then i started lithium and gained 3. then i started depakote 3 weeks ago and have gained 4 since. BUT I don't think depakote is working for me. i was a vegetarian before i started it and now I'm craving fried chicken mashed potatoes, etc. things I never would have eaten before! and now I'm stuffing my face. plus i don't have any energy on it so i eat and then go to sleep. i'm usually awake only about 8 hours a day and i still cycle in that time. this is all just so crazy. i see pdoc on wed. i think i'm going to wear my shorts (from before) underneath a big tshirt and then show him how far they are from fitting and what these drugs have done to my terrible self esteem (not to mention actual body)
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2002
Mon, 08-14-2006 - 11:57am

Please don't quit a drug without your pdoc! And, do talk to him about Neurontin and Topamax. Those are good ones for weight.

Express!
Beth "Petrouchka"

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2002
Mon, 08-14-2006 - 12:03pm

I just read your second post, and from what you say, Depakote is not for you. I felt stoned all the time, too, and that's not right (in my mind, that side effect is worse than the weight gain). Li is a better one that way, but still has a weight problem; Neurontin doesn't make you gain weight and has had no side fx I can tell except a drop in blood pressure on higher doses (I love it!), and Topamax is supposed to help you lose weight (I don't take that one because it interferes with birth control).

Express!
Beth "Petrouchka"