Valproic acid (Depakote) is a mood stabilizer that is helpful in treating the manic or mixed phases of bipolar disorder, along with carbamazepine (Equetro, Tegretol), another antiepileptic drug. These drugs may be used alone or in combination with lithium to control symptoms.
Can you take Depakote by itself?
They are taken just once a day. They come in 250 mg and 500 mg. Depakote ER does not have a coating. Depakote Sprinkle Capsules are approved only for the treatment of epilepsy.
Can you take Depakote for bipolar?
It is approved for the treatment of mania associated with bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression), seizures (epilepsy), and migraine headaches.
Can you take mood stabilizers alone?
Other Mood-Stabilizing Medicines
Drugs called antipsychotic medications are also common in bipolar treatment plans. You can take them alone or with mood stabilizers to help with symptoms of mania. These drugs include: Haloperidol (Haldol)
Which is better for bipolar lithium or Depakote?
Divalproex was as effective in rapid-cycling manic patients as in other patients. Conclusions: Both divalproex and lithium were significantly more effective than placebo in reducing the symptoms of acute mania. The efficacy of divalproex appears to be independent of prior responsiveness to lithium.
Can Depakote make you manic?
The symptoms vary widely in their pattern, severity, and frequency. Some people may alternate between extreme episodes of mania and depression. Antiepileptic drugs, including Depakote may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people, about 1 in 500.
How many hours apart should Depakote be given?
Since Depakote ER is generally taken once every 24 hours, they should allow an interval of about 12 hours before taking the second dose, and then resume a 24-hour schedule the next day. Patients who often forget doses may benefit from using a special pillbox or watch with an alarm.
Can Depakote change your personality?
Divalproex sodium may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. If you notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor right away.
How long does it take Depakote to reach therapeutic levels?
Peak levels of valproate in the blood are reached in 7 to 14 hours. At equal doses, the bioavailability of Depakote ER is about 89% that of regular Depakote. To achieve equivalent bioavailability, the once-daily dose of Depakote ER needs to be 8% to 20% higher than the total multiple daily doses of Depakote.
Is 500mg of Depakote a lot?
Depakote ER is indicated for prophylaxis of migraine headaches in adults. The recommended starting dose is 500 mg once daily for 1 week, thereafter increasing to 1000 mg once daily.
What is the safest medication for bipolar disorder?
Lithium stands out for its preventative effects in bipolar disorder, but it also has important benefits outside of the manic-depressive symptom lists. It is the only mood stabilizer that significantly reduces the risk of suicide, and it reduces mortality in other ways as well.
How can I fix my bipolar without medication?
Lifestyle changes. Counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and a range of lifestyle changes can help people with bipolar disorder to manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
How can I control my bipolar mood swings without medication?
Try the following suggestions from experts for managing and coping with mood swings.
- Control stress. Stress is a major bipolar trigger.
- Keep a regular schedule. Stick to a routine to help control mood swings.
- Practice healthy sleep habits.
- Get moving.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and drugs.
- Write it down.
How long does it take for Depakote to take effect for bipolar?
Tablets take 4 hours to reach a peak, Depakote sprinkles take just over three. Food can delay the absorption of Depakote (food has a more significant effect on the tablets compared with the sprinkles). It may take several weeks of regular dosing before an effect on mood or seizure frequency is reported.
Does Depakote help with anger?
Other studies have shown that anti-convulsant and mood-stabilizing agents can curtail aggressive anger; Depakote is considered both an anti-convulsant and a mood stabilizer.
Can Depakote worsen depression?
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including Depakote, increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, and/or any unusual changes in mood or behavior.
Why is Depakote prescribed for bipolar?
Anticonvulsants are sometimes taken to treat the manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Depakote is sometimes prescribed when patients experience rapid cycling of mood episodes and works by calming the hyperactivity of the brain during mania.
Is Seroquel effective for bipolar?
SEROQUEL XR is a clinically proven treatment option for bipolar disorder. If you are struggling with the manic highs and depressive lows of bipolar disorder, SEROQUEL XR may help. SEROQUEL XR showed positive effects as early as the first week in a clinical trial.
Does Depakote help irritability?
Depakote is a mood stabilizing medication that may be beneficial in treating individuals with disruptive behavior disorders. The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of Depakote in reducing temper outbursts and improving mood in individuals with disruptive behavior disorders.
How much Depakote should I take for bipolar?
Dosage formulations for acute bipolar mania
| DEPAKOTE Delayed-Release Tablets | DEPAKOTE ER Tablets | |
|---|---|---|
| MAXIMUM RECOMMENDED DOSE | 60 mg/kg/day | |
| THERAPEUTIC BLOOD RANGE | Clinical response was dosed at trough plasma concentrations between 50-125 μg/mL | 85 to 125 μg/mL |
Is it better to take Depakote at night?
A: You should take Depakote at a time of day when you can best remember to take it consistently—for instance, in the morning with breakfast or in the evening before you go to bed. Please see Full Prescribing Information with Medication Guide for the complete list of side effects.
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