Bipolar Medication and twitching

I suspect the culprit is depakote. This is a side effect of depakote. Did you tell your doc about this? This should subside over time, providing you are not toxic. You should have depakote levels checked every 3-4 weeks. Ask you doc what they recommend for checking the levels.

I don't have any solutions for the twitching. I wish I did. If I think of something I'll let you know.

Sure do antigone. Have level cheaked every 4 week and so far so good. I kinda thought is was the depakote also. I will let her know when I see her in two more weeks. I go for labs next week sometime. I will say this much. It is nothing I feel anxious over. As long as I don't go into full blown Grand Mal Siezures I am not to worried. Between you and me, I am more worried about the "Breuwie" I hear in both my ears when I lay down at night. Had a small subacacnoid hemorage in 2003, so what I am hearing gets me thinking of carodid blockage. I do have a few white matter liesons and they have r/o MS. So, I may just wind up in the cardiologist office instead. I just had spinal surgery in Feb. What next?

Carrie

Carrie,

It is never ending, isn't it? I would see a cardiologist about the bruit you are experiencing. As far as the tremors go I don't think you are at risk for seizures unless you abruptly stop taking the depakote.

How are you feeling with your back now? Any more pain?

Actually, I went back down to the dropped dose she had set me on. And believe it or not, the twitching stopped and the bruit stopped. Funny feeling that extra dose of Depakote might have just put me over the edge justg enough. I am hypertensive also. I had a stress test w/o thalium a few years back. Doc did not see to much wrong with it, even being a smoker at the time. Heart rate got up to 140+ with no problem. Only thing I really have that I know of is a small tricuspid regurge.
I may have found the culprit like you said. Depakote could well be the cause for some artery dialation also. I am on broncho dialators for my asthma and mild/moderat COPD. So, in saying that, ya never know with all the stinking meds I am on. I try my best to go through all the clinical studies and side effects before I start or fill any new med. I have refused to take many new ones believe me.
Back is doing great. Wheened off my Codine almost completely now. Only take a half if I do some yard work where I have to bend alot. Surgical site and cement is a mirical IMHO. It does get a little tender if I am leening back on something hard for to much time. Other then my stupid anxiety and panic attacks. I feel great!
Thanks girl for caring,
Carrie

So glad to hear your back is good. Some people get relief with surgery and others find nothing changes. You had a good surgeon!

Sounds like the depakote was the problem. That is an easy fix. Glad it was nothing more.

You inspire me, lady! You give so much to others and have so much on your own plate. I want to grow up and be like you!

You words are also an inspiration antigone. Yes, I must admit untill recently I was really a basket case. I wish I could live up to your warm and kind words. I have to try so hard now due to the fact my son Chris is having his share of problems too. No only physically (with his back) but mentally also. He has been on anti-depressents for the last year. With me out of work and him and my oldest son Marc taking the brunt and the burdun of having to foot the bills. I have to be strong for Chris. I am the only support he has right now. His dad and step mom are a big part of the problem.
That is why ehealth has helped me so very much and the member have to realize that supports and moderators are no different or important then they are. We just might have a little more up front and personal life with some of these illnesses and disorders. I would not be where I am today if not for the compassion of this board.
I am sure there are some out there that dislike me for some reason. But, I am just an everyday person with just a little more then everday problems. My whole (mom's side) was or still is in health care. My greatgrandmother was a midwife, my mom worked in the OR and my sis is an LPN. I guess it runs in the family.

I use Invega and mt tremors have nearly been gone. The medicine is similar to Risperdal but has less side effects , sexuality included.