Depakote is commonly regarded as a “mood stabilizer”.BUT NOTE: it is ONLY FDA approved for bipolar mania, NOT for bipolar depression. This drug is effective for both mania and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder.

THe Myos and Absences seem to surface when I am fatigued, lacking sleep, sick, stressed or sometimes by flashing lights or hard fast breathing.I take 1500 mgs of Depakote ER, and have been on this for over one year.

It also takes 1-2 weeks to show its effect. Stopping DEPAKOTE suddenly can cause serious problems. Depression - how long does it take for depakote to start working? 1. There is a long history of Depakote use in bipolar disorder therapy as a first line mood stabilizer, second only to lithium. The commonly used medications for mood stabilization are lithium, anticonvulsants and antipsychotics.Valproate (Depakote) is anticovulsant that is FDA approved for the treatment of mood stabilization in bipolar disorder. It can take up to 1-2 weeks to start working.Carbamazepine (Tegretol) is another anticonvulsant, which is not FDA approved, but is used often for the treatment of early onset bipolar disorder and in patients who are not responsive to lithium. Therapeutic levels of Depakote need to be reached in your blood. For my depression I have recently been taking this med Pristiq, its a fairly new med and it has really made a big difference in my depression. Always check with your pharmacist before taking any new non-prescription medicines once you've started treatment with Depakote. Women who are pregnant must not take DEPAKOTE to prevent migraine headaches. If you are unsure about anything ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.If you forget to take a Depakote dose, take it as soon as you remember.

Make sure you tell them all the medicines you are currently taking, including herbal medicines and those bought without a prescription. They are slow acting; hence, other medications may be needed for initial phase to treat acute mania.Although, medications are integral to the treatment of bipolar disorder, it is helpful for patients to get additional psychological counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and family focused therapy and relaxation therapy. Asked 8 Sep 2013 by julie caperton Updated 8 September 2013 Topics depakote, bipolar disorder.

Always follow their instructions.You're more likely to feel very sleepy if you take a benzodiazepine medicine, eg diazepam, lorazepam, alongside Depakote.You might be more likely to get side effects on your liver if you take other medicines that can affect your liver with Depakote, for example carbamazepine, tetracycline-type antibiotics, statins like atorvastatin or olanzapine.Valproate may increase the anti-blood-clotting effect of warfarin.

it takes a litle time for it to grt in your system but dont give up.

Depakote.

Blood clots can lead to stroke or a heart attack. Suddenly stopping treatment is likely to make your illness come back or get worse. It's very important to see your doctor if you, or someone else taking this medicine, experience any changes in mood, distressing thoughts, or feelings about The following are some of the other side effects known to be associated with valproate. I was suffering I think when I started with the Depakote it took a couple of weeks but, I couldnt function much during the day taking it so I would only take them at nite. For additional details, read the full prescribing information of Depakote products. 2012;1(11):14. Because Depakote can cause dizziness, weakness, and drowsiness, do not drive a car, use machinery, or do anything requiring you to be fully alert when taking this medication.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Responses (1) SU. Depakote tablets contain the active ingredient valproate semisodium, also known as divalproex sodium or simply Valproate semisodium works by increasing the amount of a natural 'nerve-calming' chemical in the brain, called GABA. We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. my doctor had just put me on depakote and i was wondering how long does it take to come in affect to where i will notice a difference?

How long does it take Depakote to work? How long does it take for depakote to work? How does Depakote work?

This can still happen two months after the last dose of Depakote. Bipolar. Depakote tablets contain the active ingredient valproate semisodium, also known as divalproex sodium or simply valproate . Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.Keep taking this medicine regularly every day, even if you seem better, unless your doctor tells you to stop.

It is also often used "off-label" for prevention of new episodes. It can take up to 1-2 weeks to start working.