Divalproex DR/Depakote?

This isn't quite food related but I thought since a lot of us on this site have anxiety and depression issues, it'd be worth a shot to ask:

Has anyone ever HEARD of this medication? Has anyone ever taken it?  Were there any side effects?  I was just prescribed this today in combination with Prozac and the fact that I have never, ever heard of it is making me pretty wary...

Any and all input is really appreciated. :)  The side effects are terrifying.

I took Depakote when I was 13 for about 2 months.  I had horrid side effects- I literally went insane.  I started behaviors such as having screaming fits of rage for no apparent reason, even when I was alone, being sensitive to several textures and noises (that one never went away unfortunately), I developed a strange squinting tick, and I became suicidal.  I highly doubt that having all of these symptoms is normal, but it could be.  If I were you, I would consider trying it with "supervision" by a spouse or close friend.. just kind of "check-in" with them daily to let them know how you're honestly feeling.

I've heard of it, but didn't know it was used for anxiety.

I've heard of it being used to treat seizures (I'm pretty sure it's an anticonvulsant), migraines, and bipolar disorder.

Everyone's body reacts differently to medications, so it's hard to say what side effects you'll have. If you are really worried I would ask questions to who prescribed the drug combination to you.

Just keep an eye on it.

Original Post by katesorad:

If I were you, I would consider trying it with "supervision" by a spouse or close friend.. just kind of "check-in" with them daily to let them know how you're honestly feeling.

That's good information to have on hand, thank you.  Luckily, I live at homr still with my mother, and my father is really in-tune with my behaviors and emotions.  As well as a brother and his wife who are close with me, I'm sure it will be no problem to be notified if something drastic changes with me.

I did go ahead and take the first dose tonight, and got very manic feeling within about 30 minutes.  I got hyper, then crashed, and now I have a headache... my doctor wants to see me back in a month, so maybe it will stabilize...

I'm still wary though, especially after your reply!  Thank you again.

Original Post by jblarghp:

I've heard of it, but didn't know it was used for anxiety.

I've heard of it being used to treat seizures (I'm pretty sure it's an anticonvulsant), migraines, and bipolar disorder.

Everyone's body reacts differently to medications, so it's hard to say what side effects you'll have. If you are really worried I would ask questions to who prescribed the drug combination to you.

Just keep an eye on it.

It is, in fact, an anti-seizure medication used occassionally for people who suffer from mania.  (Now I sound like a nut!).  My doc is keeping a close eye on me, and if I start to suspect anything off I will definitely further question his judgement of prescriptions.

Thanks for the reply. :)

I've been on valproate for years and it's been very successful. I have bipolar disorder and untreated can get frantically busy, sleepless, with delusional thinking. This hasn't happened for 10 years, not since I started taking a combination of valproate and lithium (another anti-manic drug). My life is SO much better because of it.

I can't see using valproate for anxiety: in fact tomorrow I'm going to ask my doctor if I can take something for anxiety. I have trouble feeling overwhelmed going to big stores.

I'm puzzled by the combination of valproate and prozac though. Prozac can make manic symptoms worse.

I know zoloft and Divalproex DR are prescribed together for post-traumatic stress syndrome and trauma patients in general. They're supposed to work together for anxiety and depression. Yes, it is an anti-seizure medication, but it is prescribed in such low doses for this issue (twice or three times as little), it isn't too bad, which is why there don't have to be blood tests for this medicine.

my doctor prescribed Divalproex DR and zoloft for my depression, ptsd, and anger attacks (which I think what the Divalproex DR is for).