What is a good antidepressant to take with Depakote for bipolar?

Answer 1

Well, if you are down, more than Up, as you know Bipolar is manic and depression mixed. If you are Manic, Seroquel might help, as it is an antisychotic drug, and if you need help with depression,more, you can ask YOUR PROFESSIONAL, about maybe Lamictal (on it) as it has shown positive for more depression in Depakote. Your Depakote MIGHT not be working, and might have to try something else (I have been through it all, and kind of know how you feel.) I gained a lot of weight with Depakote and Depakote ER, as you might need to change the type and the time of day. I also take Neurontin, as it is used fo MS and it helps with my BP as it calms me down and it also helps the nerve damage I have from a back problem.

But, first thing first, CALL YOUR DOC, and tell them you need help and ask about some meds you have heard of, as you are your advocate, and Docs have a lot of patients, but you have to look out for YOU! I have been there, and now, my Docs KNOW if I am not feeling right about something I am going to ask about something else. I am great to have such great Docs!

Answer 2

I'm only answering this because I have some experience with the matter; you need to consult a doctor ASAP with any questions you have. But... Antidepressants will not induce bipolar disorder. What they can do is make the manic episodes that come with the disorder more severe, and cause the rapid cycling you mentioned. The fact that you are still having depressive symptoms is a definite sign that you probably need treatment for bipolar disorder. Because you are actually experience the depressive lows, it takes more time to jump from manic episode to manic episode--so much so that you probably don't credit the times when you are feeling better to a disorder. You probably just think your symptoms have gone away. The short of it is, Bipolar Disorder is a lifelong illness. It definitely may go through periods where it is more manageable for some people. But the fact that antidepressants caused what they did means you had the disorder before you went on them, and still have it after. This is very similar to something that happened to me. Ask for treatment with a basic drug like Lithium; you will be amazed at how well it treats both depressive and manic symptoms.

Answer 3

Good luck with trying a new medicine. Everyone reacts differently to each medication.

I am bipolar. On Depakote for 6 years now, what finally worked was going to church and getting physical support from everyone. Using Prayer I was able to get the Holy Spirt to take away my drepression. This past 5 months have been amazing I used to take 5 different meds (mental wise) now I am down to 2. Once the depression went away my moods were very hyper- manic but not low at all. A little time and I have regulated that too.

I wish you the best of luck.
It took 20 years to feel this good. I hope everyone else can find it faster then I did.

Answer 4

everyone's body chemistry is unique and what works for one person may not agree with someone else. Antidepressants can be risky for someone with bipolar disorder because as they begin to "lift" the depression, it can cause them to "swing" up into a manic episode. So, it has to be done carefully with caution by the physician and the patient must be aware of this and watch for that possibility. Having said that, I will only say that in MY case (and I speak for no one but myself) I take Depakote as a maintenance medication and was recently prescribed Wellbutrin SR for a current depression. That is strictly my own physician's decision and he takes into consideration my other health issues. Also, he told me that I am to keep him notified of how it is working and if I have any problems with it, to let him know and he will write for something else. So you see, there is no real answer. Only a licensed, board certified physician can determine this and even they will tell you it depends on the patient's needs and tolerance.

Answer 5

I know Depakote can be used to treat mania but as for other meds to go with it, your doctor would be the one to ask. Isn't Lithium taken for mental disorders like bipolar?

There are different kinds of antidepressants... one deals with seratonin and one deals with dopamine. Paxil, Prozac and the like are SSRI, selective seratonin reuptake inhibitor, and something like Welbutrin (or Zyban too) deals with dopamine.

Answer 6

Sorry but you must ask your Dr about this one,as he/she is the only person that should be giving out this type of medication

Answer 7

seroquel start at 25mg your dr. will probily raise it depending on how bad your bipolar is type in bipolal on your computeri was just there to let my family know whats wrong with me good luck

Answer 8

you should only be consulting a doctor about mixing any medications.