mjs190 Posted October 1, 2015 Share Posted October 1, 2015 I've been on 500 mg of Depakote since November of 2014, and have loved it. Recently, I've had to increase to 750 mg and now 1,000 mg to control hypomanic episodes. Since arriving at 1,000 mg I feel apathetic and flat. My level is somewhere in the low 80's. Is it actually true that too much Depakote can cause depression? What does said depression feel like? Does decreasing the dose help? I'm also interested in hearing about possible other mood stabilizers that treat hypo and depression, sans bloodwork. Thanks everyoneMatt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crtclms Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 I don't know if it is a matter of too much causes depression, it just causes depression in some people, and often, dosage doesn't really enter into it. It's just not right for that person.That said, if you were doing well until after you raised it, and you are now not doing well, you should talk to your pdoc about dropping back to the previous dosage.I took Depakote for many years, but because I took it for migraines, we didn't take blood levels. So I can't speak to your numbers. It doesn't affect my mood (fortunately, or I wouldn't have been able to use it for migraine). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt07 Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 Depakote made me feel sad and heavy - like a 100 lb. weight was pushing down on me. It didn't help that I wanted to eat everything not nailed down either. I did not last long on Depakote. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintalto Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 I didn't do well on depekote/epilim for the same reasons as you. However, when I was on it was the only time I was free of mixed states for an extended period of time. Supposedly it's better for controlling them than other mood stabilisers. Still, couldn't take the down/flat/apathy element. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissaw72 Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 Depakote made me feel so tired I felt almost dead. I don't remember my starting dose (long time ago, but the side effect of tiredness is a big memory) but will always remember that tiredness. I don't know if it caused depression for me; I had it already.I would let your pdoc know how you are feeling. Maybe s/he might lower your dose or help in another way, so you don't feel so bad. And to try and do it before the weekend comes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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