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| Question: |
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just started using Valproic acid myself like 3 weeks ago….Im hopeing
it does help soon. How long does it take to start feeling better and not
hurting the ones around you…Thank you so much…ash |
| Send a Reply
to Ash |
| Question: |
| ok, here goes, i'm about to start a 'mood stabilizer' called valproic acid. i realized i was bi-polar 5 months ago and embarked on a huge journey of self-discovery since then. the decision to medicate myself was not made lightly. i need to make sure i can maintain the clarity of self-knoweldge (listening to my body and soul) and direction i have achieved in these past months. if anyone has any tips on how to accomplish this, my latest challenge, i would welcome the input. thanks, patti |
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| RE: Valproic Acid for Patti Reply Posted: November 24, 2003 Patti: I have been on Valprolic Acid for 8 years. As an Artist and free spirit I was so fearful that I would lose myself in some drug induced stupor. I fought my fear of the medication, the same fear which had kept me from treatment and subsequently devoured ten years of my life. The initial stages upon starting the medication had many side effects such as chronic fatigue, dullness of mind, stuttering and weight gain. Many days I questioned my commitment to make the journey into healing myself with medication. But I persevered. Within about 9 weeks I started to see and feel a change. I was completely compliant with my medication and aggressively pursued the right dosages with a regular relationship with my Psychiatrist. I am happy to tell you that my fears were unfounded and I have a life beyond my wildest expectations. My art work is focused and more creative than ever before. I can plan and execute my designs and complete projects properly. Spiritually I have found the w omen in me that I feel I was supposed to be. It has been a long hard journey but the rewards are plentiful. I channel my history (though painful and private) to enjoy everyday I have. Few "normal" people live life with the appreciation and love that I have in my soul. I am at peace that I am different and special with wisdom available only to those of us who have made this kind of journey. I wish you the same love, peace and God's speed in reclaiming your rightful place in the universe. D Respond to reply |
| RE: Valproic Acid for Patti Reply Posted: September 5, 2003 That's fantastic that you were so self-aware to recognise symptoms of bi-polar and see a Dr. Valproate is a good drug, but as with anyone they have different effects on each body. So persevere and just check in with your dr regularly. The main thing is to keep positive with the length of time it takes to recover from episodes and then deal with the day to day nuances of the feelings. What triggers your mood swings and how to let them settle or when to ride them. I've never surfed before but I love the metaphor - creative visualisation is a usful tool for anyone & all those virtues of patience etc Keep perservering, luv Julie Respond to reply |
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RE: Valproic Acid for Patti Valproic Acid is an Anticonvulsant used to treat Epilepsy however some doctors are starting to use this medication to control manic episodes. Here are some websites with more information: Side Effects - http://bipolar.about.com/library/sfx/bl-valproic.htm Side Effect Warnings - http://www.mentalhealth.com/drug/p30-d02.html A Guide - http://www.miminc.org/sample_dival01.html Respond to reply |
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RE: Valproic Acid for Patti Hi Patti, Thank you for sharing your question with us. What sent you on the recent high wave? You may have reached a point where you are quick cycling in order to find your particular point of balance. It is very common for us to ride up and down while we are in our discovery phase, as we have had the depression habit for a very long time. How extreme is your manic period and what are you doing when you observe it coming? Are you able to catch it in the early stages? Indigo Respond to reply |
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RE: Valproic Acid for Patti Last month they changed my meds from topomax to 1000mgs valproic acid. I feel it has completely flat lined me and I'm always on the low side fighting depression. They told me that it is the Gold standard. I feel it is preventing me to focus. I hate to give you this to base your discussion, this is just my experience so far after 2 months of going on it. From: A.M. Respond to reply |
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RE: Valproic Acid for Patti Hi A.M. ....I tried to email you but your email came back undeliverable....can you send me an email to reply to please. Indigo Respond to reply |