Should I let my friend take depakote? I don't want her to gain weight.?

Question

Doc says she should take it for manic/depressive behavior but I don't want her to gain weight. Is there any other solutions to bipolar?

She doesn't want to gain weight either.

Answer 1

Well, I'd hesitate to override her physician.

Maybe he has years and years of experience and education regarding her condition that you do not have.

You can help her research her condition and nutritional support. You can encourage her to eat healthy, balanced meals. You can have her ask her doctor about incorporating a multi-vitamin into her diet. You can rent a comedy so she gets a laugh. You can go for walks with her.

But I don't think you should override the doctor without asking his permission.

Maybe you should go to her next appointment and he can ask your permission to prescribe medication to his patient?

After all, you are Sandstorm222....

Answer 2

Her mental health is more important than her appearance. Depakote will not necessarily make her gain weight, although it is a possibility. Avoiding a few extra pounds isn't worth dealing with unmedicated bipolar disorder. She should try the Depakote. If it doesn't work she doesn't have to worry about it and if it does then she's lucky she found the right med on the first try. Medication is the only successful treatment for bipolar disorder, so she needs to be on something.

Answer 3

It is not up to you whether she takes depakote or not. It is between her and her doctor. Isn't it better that she gain or lose a few pounds than to continue to suffer from bipolar disorder? I've taken depakote before, not for bipolar disorder (though I am bipolar), but for migraines. I can only speak of my side effects. I actually enjoyed taking this medication. I didn't have any of the typical side effects, including any effect on my weight. The one side effect I did have was I had really weird dreams. They were like nighttime entertainment. It was the first my pharmacist or neurologist had ever heard of such a side effect, but I know it was the depakote because that was the only change in my meds when it started. I'm no longer on any meds for migraines and I still miss the dreams I had on depakote.

Answer 4

I took depakote for over two years (1000-2000 mg) and never gained any weight. If she needs it for manic/depressive behavior she should take it. Other medications, like lithium and topomax, are not as good and have some side effects.

Answer 5

You should NOT discourage her from taking medication she needs. There are other alternatives. She needs to take that medication for now. Her next appointment, she should talk to the doctor about other alternatives. She will not gain that much weight in one month. Not everyone gains weight on it. Different med.'s effect people differently.

Answer 6

You're not a doctor, therefore, don't act like one by telling your friend to not take Depakote.

What's worse, a few pounds, or a fabulous manic-depressive melt-down, replete with hospitalization and involvement in the judicial world due to criminal acting out? Think I'm exaggerating? Check your friend out sans medication for Bi-Polar illness. You may not recognize her.

Answer 7

There are other medications and she can choose not to be medicated. It's her choice really. If she is concerned about weight gain, she should talk to her doctor about avoiding this problem, an alternative medication or some alternative treatments for bipolar disorder. Should you let her do anything? No. Ultimately, unless she poses a serious threat to herself or others, to choose whether or not to be medicated is her decision, not yours, not her doctors.

Answer 8

Should you LET her? Are you her father?

Would you rather she gain 10 pounds or kill herself in a depressive rage?

How utterly selfish of you. This is between her and her doctor. Butt out.

Answer 9

That's pretty selfish of you. "No, don't gain weight! I don't want any fat freinds! Why can't you just continue to suffer with your illness?"