Depakote for ADD/Anger Issues

[Anonymous]

For the first time I visited a psychiatrist for some long-term potential ADD/frustration/irritability/anger issues. He suggested a low dose of Depakote (1/4 capsule). Does anyone have any experience with Depakote for these types of issues? Did it help? Are there other treatments out there that I should be considering? Is it worth getting a second opinion before beginning medication?

[Anonymous]

I haven't been on it, but it has been described to me as a mental straight jacket. It's also old-school, I'd think there have to be better options.

[Anonymous]

it a mood stabilizer.the only way you will know it works for you is to try it.

[Anonymous]

Causes massive weight gain and it makes straight hair turn curly. (Really, it does.) Other than that you'll be fine!

[Anonymous]

http://breggin.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=169

"It's now well known that the newer antidepressants like Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft and Celexa cause suicidal thoughts and behavior, and can worsen depression. Psychiatric drugs sustained another blow when the FDA recently declared that yet another group of these chemical agents causes the very problems that the drugs are supposed to treat. This time the culprits are antiepileptic drugs -- medications used to control seizures. Because they cause sedation, these drugs are commonly used in psychiatry as "mood stabilizers." As a result of an orchestrated psychiatric campaign to diagnose children with "bipolar disorder," increasing numbers of children are being given these drugs.

The new FDA warning was issued on January 31, 2008 and includes several drugs commonly prescribed to children and adults for mood control, such as carbamazapine (brand names Tegretol, Equetro), gabapentin (Neurontin), lamotrigine (Lamictal), topiramate (Topamax), and valproate (Depakote). All of these chemical agents are prescribed for varying psychiatric purposes, including the treatment of anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder.

After evaluating 199 controlled clinical trials, the FDA found that patients taking the anti-seizure drugs were twice as likely to feel suicidal or to act suicidal, and even to kill themselves, compared to similar patients taking a placebo or sugar pill."

[Anonymous]

I took Depakote for almost 10 years, but as an anti-convulsant (seizures), rather than for ADD. SO Ican't can't respond to your treatment questions, otehr than to note that it is an older drug, and a lot of newer drugs are out there now that are much better in terms have having much fewer side effects. Side effects I experienced from Depakote werre weight gain and hirsutism (abnormal hair growth, eg.g., bearded lady), and that has been awful and irreversible. ALso, do NOT take Depakote if you are thinking about TTC or may want to get pregnant. The newer drugs are much safer for pregnancy.

[Anonymous]

First of all, kudos to you for seeking treatment. I know it's not easy. About the Depakote - I'm a little surprised that would be the first drug the psychiatrist prescribed. It's one of the older drugs out there but there are a lot better ones with fewer negative side effects that could be used to stabilize your moods. It is NOT used to treat ADHD. It sounds like he wants to get your frustration/irritability etc under control first - which is standard procedure. I would get a second opinion before taking it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:First of all, kudos to you for seeking treatment. I know it's not easy. About the Depakote - I'm a little surprised that would be the first drug the psychiatrist prescribed. It's one of the older drugs out there but there are a lot better ones with fewer negative side effects that could be used to stabilize your moods. It is NOT used to treat ADHD. It sounds like he wants to get your frustration/irritability etc under control first - which is standard procedure. I would get a second opinion before taking it.

I second this. Also beware of post above re/Breggin. He's a polemicist, not a scientist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:http://breggin.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=169

"It's now well known that the newer antidepressants like Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft and Celexa cause suicidal thoughts and behavior, and can worsen depression. Psychiatric drugs sustained another blow when the FDA recently declared that yet another group of these chemical agents causes the very problems that the drugs are supposed to treat. This time the culprits are antiepileptic drugs -- medications used to control seizures. Because they cause sedation, these drugs are commonly used in psychiatry as "mood stabilizers." As a result of an orchestrated psychiatric campaign to diagnose children with "bipolar disorder," increasing numbers of children are being given these drugs.

The new FDA warning was issued on January 31, 2008 and includes several drugs commonly prescribed to children and adults for mood control, such as carbamazapine (brand names Tegretol, Equetro), gabapentin (Neurontin), lamotrigine (Lamictal), topiramate (Topamax), and valproate (Depakote). All of these chemical agents are prescribed for varying psychiatric purposes, including the treatment of anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder.

After evaluating 199 controlled clinical trials, the FDA found that patients taking the anti-seizure drugs were twice as likely to feel suicidal or to act suicidal, and even to kill themselves, compared to similar patients taking a placebo or sugar pill."

Okay well, Breggin is an anti-drug extremist--he is a hired gun for defense attorneys in malpractice suits against shrinks. I don't think much of his opinions.

[Anonymous]

Get a second opinion and ask about Lamictal. Yes, it can have a severe side effect (dangerous rash) but docs pay close attention and taper you on. Side effect is rare, one person I know of had it, went off, and tapered back on even more slowly and is fine.. Doc felt strongly she needed it and it has helped her tremendously with ADD plus depression/mood lability.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get a second opinion and ask about Lamictal. Yes, it can have a severe side effect (dangerous rash) but docs pay close attention and taper you on. Side effect is rare, one person I know of had it, went off, and tapered back on even more slowly and is fine.. Doc felt strongly she needed it and it has helped her tremendously with ADD plus depression/mood lability.

I have depression/anxiety plus ADD and generally very labile moods and Lamictal works fantastically for me. PP is right--you have to taper up very slowly (it took me about 8 weeks to reach a therapeutic dose) but I've had ZERO side effects. (and I always had side effects with SSRIs).

[Anonymous]

OP here-- thanks for all the responses. Many of you have echoed my concerns-- Depakote seems a little old school... and I wonder if there are better things out there. I have an appointment with another psychiatrist in a week, so I think I will wait to start any treatment until I speak to someone else. If anyone has any recommendations for psychs for this issue, I would greatly appreciate it. Open to DC/NW/MD recs. The guy I saw was definitely older-- sympathetic, but I wasn't sure he really listened to me or cared about the resolution. I will ask the next doc about the Lamictal.

I am already a little hairy-- the hirsutism scares me!