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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Janelle on June 25, 2001, at 22:31:01
My pdoc suggested I try Depakote, but the insert from the sample package she gave me scared the heck out of me, especially the possible side effect of alopecia (hair loss). She gave it to me to help calm my racing thoughts. Anyone have any experience, know if Depakote works for this? And what are some common side effects? Thanks.
Posted by susan C on June 25, 2001, at 23:00:24
In reply to DEPAKOTE: what used for (beside seizures) and:, posted by Janelle on June 25, 2001, at 22:31:01
> My pdoc suggested I try Depakote, but the insert from the sample package she gave me scared the heck out of me, especially the possible side effect of alopecia (hair loss). She gave it to me to help calm my racing thoughts. Anyone have any experience, know if Depakote works for this? And what are some common side effects? Thanks.
dr-bob has very complete info in "tips" section, for example. I am on depakote and had the same (scared) first reaction...it has helped stablize my moods and as a friend says, it has been used a long time by a lot of people, so there is a lot known about it. like any med, there are pluses and minuses. The hair loss for people I have talked to and for me is an increase in strands that come out say when you shower or run your hand through your hair. I am not bald! Start taking a multivitamin with selium and zinc like centrum silver.
Posted by Glenn Fagelson on June 25, 2001, at 23:09:15
In reply to DEPAKOTE: what used for (beside seizures) and:, posted by Janelle on June 25, 2001, at 22:31:01
> My pdoc suggested I try Depakote, but the insert from the sample package she gave me scared the heck out of me, especially the possible side effect of alopecia (hair loss). She gave it to me to help calm my racing thoughts. Anyone have any experience, know if Depakote works for this? And what are some common side effects? Thanks.
Hi again, Janelle
I used to take Depakote, but I stopped it
because I gained so much weight on it; this
is a very common side effect. So, if you're
worried about weight gain, I'd ask your doctor
about Neurontin or Topomax.Glenn
Posted by SalArmy4me on June 26, 2001, at 8:06:33
In reply to Re: DEPAKOTE: what used for (beside seizures) and: » Janelle, posted by Glenn Fagelson on June 25, 2001, at 23:09:15
There might be a chance with the new Depakote _ER_ formulation to have none or few side-effects.
Posted by susan C on July 5, 2001, at 19:45:50
In reply to Re: DEPAKOTE: what used for (beside seizures) and:, posted by SalArmy4me on June 26, 2001, at 8:06:33
paraphrased from my pdoc when I asked him about taking the ER version of depakote: "those damned drug companies, always finding a new way to sell something for more money. Depakote, by itself, has a sustained release action in the brain."
. > There might be a chance with the new Depakote _ER_ formulation to have none or few side-effects.
Posted by DonnaMM on July 6, 2001, at 8:55:11
In reply to DEPAKOTE: what used for (beside seizures) and:, posted by Janelle on June 25, 2001, at 22:31:01
> My pdoc suggested I try Depakote, but the insert from the sample package she gave me scared the heck out of me, especially the possible side effect of alopecia (hair loss). She gave it to me to help calm my racing thoughts. Anyone have any experience, know if Depakote works for this? And what are some common side effects? Thanks.
I have been on Depakote most of the last 1 1/2 years at dosages of 250-750 mg/day, for irritability (not bipolar). I have never had a side effect from it, it worked within a couple of days for my mood as well as a surprising effect of dramatically decreasing my headaches (it can be used as a migraine preventative)any my pain from fibromyalgia. You need to have regular blood tests to check your blood levels and liver function but I would recommend it to anyone to try, esp if on a fairly small dose like myself (under 1000 mg/day). Donna
Posted by LNB on December 1, 2003, at 17:26:46
In reply to Re: DEPAKOTE: what used for (beside seizures) and: » Janelle, posted by DonnaMM on July 6, 2001, at 8:55:11
Has anyone had problems waking up in the morning after taking Depakote at night? My doc told me to take it before bed, and I've noticed an increase in my sleeping in. Let me know if you have any comments. Thanks Lori
This is the end of the thread.
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