anyone taking depakote?

Question

do you suffer with lethargy? i have been taking 2000mg for 2 years, and i am sick to the back teeth of sleeping. i get up, get my daughter ready for school, then take her, come home and sleep most of the day. i have told my psychiatrist, but he isn't worried. the past 2 days, i have drank gallons of coffee (normally drink decaf, but had full strength). and im finally doing housework! wehey! does it make you sleepy, or is it just me??

Answer 1

Hi.. depakote did make me lazy, sleepy and generally a sloth... i switched from that to abilify (which is very expensive, if you don't have insurance) and it was really great.

I have also taken Lamictal, and it worked, without much side effect -- i was a little dizzy with it...

I sure hope it works out for you... you can always tell the psychiatrist you want to try something else. after all, it's YOUR body!

sending hugs.

Answer 2

It sure can: malaise, drowsiness and lethargy can be side-effects of the similar drug (Sodium Valporate). Maybe though the caffeine is all that you need to counteract it. If the drug works for you and keeps you well then drinking caffeine is a small price to pay. I am not sure about gallons of coffee, but just a few cups would be normal.

I have had a few of my clients tell me that it makes them feel "big and lazy" due to weight gain and lethargy. I am surprised that it still affects you so much after 2 years as many people get used to it, but it many of the people taking it will have an intake of tea and coffee with caffeine and tannin.

I have to say that if you have any other side effects such as GI upsets or skin rashes or any localised abdominal or hepatic discomfort, bruising or bleeding you need to see your General Practitioner as soon as possible. You could discuss your medication with your pharmacist who is an expert in the field of side-effects and medication interactions.

Hope that your new diet with caffeine continues to work - but if you overdo it you can get side-effects from caffeine such as fine tremor.

Answer 3

I also took depakote....Yeck for me. I gained 65 lbs and am 5 feet tall...very fluffy....lost my hair and really depressed me. After almost 1 1/2 years I talked the Doc into changing my med. I am now back to a size that fits my body frame and my hair grew back. I know this med is good for some people but it wasn't for me..Sleeping alot also. I suffer from seizures.

Answer 4

I've been on it (a long with a few other pills) for five years now. I have to force myself to do things. I make up my mind, I'm going to do "X" today and I have to do it. Then I crash like a shot up airplane. Also use full strength coffee.

Answer 5

2000mg is a phenomenal dose! I take 750mg which according to my consultant is a normal dose. 2000mg will make you v v v lethargic - ask for a review or a second opinion!

Answer 6

Depakote side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: to Depakote hives; fever, swollen glands, mouth sores, difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if the person taking this medicine has early signs of liver or pancreas problems, such as: loss of appetite, upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back), ongoing nausea or vomiting, dark urine, swelling in the face, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these other side effects:
- confusion, tiredness, cold feeling, vomiting, change in your mental state;
- easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, or gums), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
- severe drowsiness;
- worsening seizures;
- signs of inflammation in your body - swollen glands, flu symptoms, severe tingling or numbness, muscle weakness, chest pain, new or worsening cough with fever, trouble breathing; or
- severe skin reaction - fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
Common Depakote side effects may include:
- mild nausea or vomiting, mild stomach pain, diarrhea;
- headache, mild dizziness, weakness, tremors;
- problems with balance or walking;
- blurred vision, double vision; or
- changes in appetite, weight gain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)


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