Posted by MB on September 8, 2001, at 17:41:52
In reply to Re: What Depakote dose = weight gain?, posted by susan C on September 8, 2001, at 15:57:04
So how bad were the cognative problems on Topomax? They must be pretty bad for people to complain about them. I remember being on Xanax. I'd be in the middle of a conversation, mid-sentence, and just stop..."uh, what were we talking about?" It was really scary. Or on Remeron, I'd just sit and stare at a wall all day...I couldn't even start a thought. I felt like Bruce Willis in 12 Monkeys--when they put him on Thorazine. Ever see that? Is Topomax kinda like that? I guess what I'm asking is: how does the "dumbing" effect manifest?
So were you able to workout despite Depakote sedation? Did you experience sedation?
As far as hair loss goes, I've inherited the gene for pattern baldness anyway. I gave up on having a head of hair years ago...but the weight gain deal freaks me out: to be bald *and* fat would surely be to much for my depression rattled ego to take. Although, if the Depakote worked, and I was somewhat emotionally stable, I might not care as much about such trite, ego-feeding criteria.
So, back to appetite. You say you didn't gain weight, but how was your appetite? If it's a matter of willpower and just not eating, I don't think I could do it. When I get hungry, I eat...just can't help it.
> For me, myself and I, I was already 30 lbs overweight. In addition to pdoc not convinced I had/have bipolar 2, tho it is a working diagnosis, with another opinion from 'world famouse researcher' I/we tried other things first, since ssris don't work, (actually make things worse) we started on anti seizure in order of least side effect most likely benefit profiles, including weight gain (or lack of). This was why Depakote was last even though it is the oldest, most tested. On one of these trials, that all were either terrible or nothing very obviously and quickly, I was on topomax (?) I did start loosing weight, but the cognative difficulties were dramatic, so stopped that one, along with other newer antiseizure meds. Depakote was the first one that helped moderate this emotional rollicoaster at all. But even then it isn't the whole answer.
>
> When I started depakote, the pdoc struck the fear of god in me, weight gain 'if anything changes, call me immediately', I said,'I will live at the gym' I have not gained any weight. And was probably losing because of feeling better and moving more. He says 'Hair may fall out in big big chunks'. Hey, I think, sometimes things work and you need to live with it. Turns out my experience was a more vigourous strand by stand. 'It all stops about a year after beginning anyway', in pdocs observation. I have short thick hair, and I figured if it did work, I would cross that bridge when I came to it. Wear a scarf, shave my head, or wear a wig...I take the vitamins, cant hurt may help and have noticed a lessening in the amount of fall out and change in texture and increase in curliness.
>
> But your question was on weight. My experience is no, I did not gain any additional weight. I got as high as 1500mg and observed, in myself, no additional benefit from 1000. So dropped back. My blood level is between 50 and 60. I could have chosen to add lithium or increase depakote, but had tried the former previously and the pdoc in his evaluation of how my body was processing depakote (flushing it out) did not think adding any more would be of any benefit.
>
> I thought the site's comments were conservative, balanced and included just about any possible experience.
>
> Side Note: I have also started Keppra and have noticed a change in appetite, like cut in half. And, perhaps, a change in mood. At this point, I don't think I will change anything. I think I will probably always take Depakote, and if, this time next year, I have survived a year being even, I will put my vote in for Keppra as well.
>
> Any questions..there will be a test on Monday. Class dismissed
>
> Mouse in the school house
> Susan C.
poster:MB
thread:78199
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010907/msgs/78295.html