Ryders: advice from people who've taken Depakote / divalproate

[Ryders]

Hey everyone! i'm wondering if tapering off of an anti-seizure med (depakote) is the same as any other med? i started at 750 of apo-divalproex 2 years ago...i tapered to 500 last year and my doc wants me off of it as it's dangerous with polycystic ovarian syndrome (which i  have). 

 

anyhow...i was on it initially to stop a manic episode (which happened after tapering too fast from abilify 3 years ago.)i'm wondering what i should do, because my doc keeps saying i can just go off of it now (i've gone down 100 mgs every month and am now taking 125 every three days) i haven't had any side effects yet at all...other than a TINY bit of headaches (maybe just pressure headaches?) i'm in a program right now called "vital mind reset" run by a holistic psychiatrist named "Dr Kellie Brogan" it's a program to re-set your system for tapering off of medication (and just to be healthier in general) my partner and i want to start trying to have kids and the clock is ticking (like..i'm in my late 30s so i don[t have years to taper...)

 

advice?

 

thanks!

 

Edited January 21, 2019 by ChessieCat
spacing

[ChessieCat]

Hi Ryders and welcome to SA,

 

Here's the link to SA's topic:  Tips for tapering off sodium valproate and valproic acid (divalproex sodium, Depakote, Depakene)

 

We have a few members tapering Depakote. 

 

Zant808 has been using sprinkles to taper.

 

Please create your drug signature using the following format.   Keep it simple.  NO diagnoses or symptoms please - thank you.

• details for last 2 years - dates, ALL drugs, doses
• summary for older than 2 years - just years and drug/s

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature

 

 

This is your own introductions topic where your can ask questions about your own situation and journal your progress.

[Carmie]

How are you doing Ryders💚

[Ryders]

I’m doing good. I didn’t really hear back from my post on here so I didn’t keep coming back. 

I’ve been weaning slowly with my doc and things are going really well. 

 

Thanks for asking! 

[ChessieCat]

On 1/21/2019 at 4:53 PM, ChessieCat said:

Please create your drug signature using the following format.   Keep it simple.  NO diagnoses or symptoms please - thank you.

• details for last 2 years - dates, ALL drugs, doses
• summary for older than 2 years - just years and drug/s

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature

 

Please respond to the above request.  Thank you.

[Carmie]

Hi Ryders, 

 

I’m glad you’re doing good. Would you please be so kind as to fill out your drug signature. Just press on the link ChessieCat gave you. Thanks.

 

 What percentage are you tapering by? How long are you holding between tapers?

 

How far have you gotten down since January? Are you taking the meds daily, or every three days as you mentioned at the time?

 

Wishing you all the best in your continued recovery 💚