Bipolar Disorder Forum - Prozac & Depakote Er For Bipolar? Bpd? Quitting Effexor

Mental Health > Bipolar Disorder Forum > Prozac & Depakote Er For Bipolar? Bpd? Quitting Effexor

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Q: Prozac & Depakote Er For Bipolar? Bpd? Quitting Effexor

asked by: CA 2 NJ on May 9th, 2007

New User

Hello again. I have been here a lot in the past few weeks as I've been trying to find that magic combo to help me with my Bipolar I (Mixed, Agitated Episodes with Ultra-Rapid Cycling), Borderline Personality Disorder, Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

I am currently going off of the Effexor as I could only tolerate for 3 weeks as every day I am in bed longer than I was the day before. Now I'm in bed about 18 hours a day. And most of the time I'm sleeping.

I only got up to 75mg of Effexor and was there for 2 weeks after spending 1 week on 37.5mg. So as of today I am taking 5mg of prozac in the morning and 37.5mg of Effexor at bedtime for a week, then going to halve the Effexor and continue with the Prozac for a week in hopes that I am able to get off this nasty stuff before I am to travel cross-country in the beginning of June.

Once I'm off the Effexor, I plan on staying on Prozac at 5mg (if it's effective, 10mg if not) as I have had Prozac throw me into a bad raging, manic episode before (along with Geodon). But that was without the Depakote.

So I am wondering if anyone who has Bipolar Disorder or Borderline Personality Disorder has had success with such a small dose of Prozac while taking a mood stabilizer (not an anti-psychotic). I just don't want to get manic again.

I also take 3mg of Xanax XR which seems to work well and 50-100mg Seroquel at bedtime (which I'm hoping to stop, but not sure how). Would Trazodone be a better alternative for sleep? As Lunesta and Ambien no longer work for me. Sad

Does anyone have any suggestions as I am in between psychiatrists and have spoken with my General Doctor. He is the one who has me on what I am taking now. So I'm looking to those who may have actual experience in hopes of some information which may be of help.

I really hope there's someone out there who can help as I don't want to have to cancel my trip. It's already been put on hold since last November because I've been too messed up to go anywhere.

Thanks for listening... well reading. Smile

Hugs,
CA 2 NJ

Replies(2)

lauren61

replied on May 15th, 2007

New User

Hello;

Well, that is a tough one as we all know about meds which works and in what combos and for how long? I think it depends on the individual persons body chemistry.

I have been on every med since i was 14 that was 32 years ago!
Be careful with effexor i was on 150mg and did the ween and I was actually Baker acted I was so screwed up coming off. Quite suicidal and close to doing it.

I ended up on Lamictal and Cymbalta and my 17 year friend Ativan.
This worked only a short time. But was going through menopause at the same time without knowing it and my best friend was dying.

Then I stayed in a depression state for almost a year (with meds.)
I then had to go to the ER I was suicidal 24-7. This time I started back on Lexapro, Prozac and Lithium-this was a life saver. But I was a zombie from the mix of Lithium and Prozac. So-went off Prozac and added Welbutrin again, kept Lexapro etc. Then a lot of weight gain with Lithuim and other side effects. Now off Lithium and ok with Welbutrin and Lexapro. etc.

The key is to try as many different combinations you can until you find what works. Believe me-for 30 some years I have had to change meds from 1-3 years and so on. They stop working or dont work.

Try try try different combos until you get results.

Lauri

minikuinini

replied on May 19th, 2007

New User

Depakote

Hi! I took depakote for 2 years for bipolar disorder and I do not recommend it. During that time, gained 30-50lbs, lost most of my hair, got yellow skin and was constantly sick in bed. It is so strong and not healthy at all. Maybe it would work better for you, but ask your doctor about alternatives!!!!

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