Was just prescribed depakote today to take at bedtime. I also take lithium, saphris, and occasional kolonopin 1 mg. can I just take in the morning instead ??
Depakote - Any bad dreams or weird dreams? This was my first dose and was told to take at bedtime?
Question posted by Krazycapps on 28 April 2012
Last updated on 21 March 2018
5 Answers
pegasi9
1 May 2012
Yes, I had bad and weird dreams. I also gained 60 pounds on it. I went off it cold turkey with my doctor's okay and had a nervous breakdown. I stopped taking it cuz didn't want to gain 100 pounds! Thirty pounds came off right away. I haven't been able to take off the remaining 30 pounds. Also, I gained 20 pounds on Saphris in three weeks! I was taking it for sleep. I told my psychiatrist I refused to take it any longer. Saphris stimulates your appetite. Now I'm taking Vistaril 50 mg, Amitriptyline 50 mg, Remeron 15 mg, Melatonin three 3 mg. tablets for sleep. What a "cocktail." I'm Bipolar and if I don't get enough sleep, I go manic. So, it's really important that I get my rest.
stillgoofy
29 April 2012
Absolutely yes! I have had some really awful dreams since put on Depakote. I have been prescribed 500mg at bedtime and in the morning. Im not sure about helping me to sleep because I also take another rx for my insomnia and the morning dose of Depakote doesn't make me sleepy. But, I do have some messed up and very upsetting dreams occasionally. This in itself makes me feel like I have gotten very little sleep when I wake up from the dreams. Im certainly not saying I'm glad your also having this effect, but I'm relieved to know it's not just me alone seeing this side effect. I hope it goes away after a while, for you as well. Best of luck.
Krazycapps
30 April 2012
Thanks for your time. I'm currently considering being taking off depakote especially since I'm already on the lithium. I do not like the upsetting dreams and I slept all day yesterday. I'm confided And tired of searching for the right combo.
stillgoofy
2 May 2012
Just hang in there. I know that's what everyone says, but it is true, at least for me. I was diagnosed ADHD & Bipolar along with insomnia and many more problems. I've been on SO MANY different meds trying to find just the right combination, I'm talking years. Finally I'm feeling much better after several doctors (some have actually given up on me), lots of rx's, and a very patient family. If I can do it, you can too. It does get better. Wishing you all the best.
HarleyQuinn85
21 March 2018
Thank you because I’ve been on the same thing and have been having nightmares. I didn’t know if it was because of the meds or if it was something else. I don’t like taking meds and these nightmares started as soon as I started the depakote 500mg. I’m going to talk to the doctor about this because it’s interrupting my sleep.
Inactive
29 April 2012
I think since you are on other meds, you should take it as prescribed. If the doctor told you to take it at bedtime, then there is a good reason for this. You may want to give your doctor a call & ask them about switching it to morning before you just do it... Mary
Inactive
29 April 2012
Good morning,
About Depakote and weird dreams, anything is possible. I was just prescribed 2000 mg of Depakote at bedtime. The reason to take at bedtime is to help you sleep and it really helped me. But I have been on and off Depakote so many times over 43 years, I can't remember, all of the side effects ... weird dreams are fun anyway. My concern is that you are taking lithium also. Since both lithium and Depakote are mood stabilizers, why be on both.
I have had bipolar since I was 14 and I'm 56 now. I ha be been on every medication ay one time or another. It's no fun, but with bipolar, all the docs can try to do is keep us flat and not on a manic depressed roller coaster. I hope you are able to find the correct meds to make your life worth living. Bipolar is an exhausting and devastating disease. It's hard to find friends that understand when you go wacky weirdo on them
So, the least of your worries are weird dreams. Just sit back and rice the ride. I am lucky, I've had about 12 hospitalizations and I'm still ok.
The best thing for you is to be calm and follow your psychiatrists advice.
Have a happy, calm life.
Peace,
Sweet Hippie
Krazycapps
30 April 2012
Thinking about checking in at a pdoc if nothing gets better. Hubby doesn't understand and I had a psychotic meltdown with thoughts of suicide
Inactive
29 April 2012
Hello Krazycapps. Are you saying that you took your first and only dose of Depakote and it gave you strange dreams? Or you haven't taken the drug as of yet but would prefer to take it in the morning? Regards, pledge
Krazycapps
30 April 2012
No I took the first dose Friday and Friday night began having strange dreams and hallucinations
Inactive
30 April 2012
I understand. It was only the one night. Give yourself a few more nights, if it continues, then talk to your doctor, about as you mentioned, taking the drug in the morning.
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depakote, bipolar disorder, lithium, saphris
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