I have been on Depakote ER now for a week.
How long does it take for Depakote ER to kick in?
Question posted by Janet K on 5 Oct 2011
Last updated on 9 June 2013
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Answers
slattery
6 Oct 2011
I believe that depakote kicks in really fast after a few day's consumption, as in hospitals it is the pill of choice for a manic episode, when combined with an anti-psychotic. I quit abruptly for a couple of week's in the summer, then started to feel "not right"... but within a few days I was completely on target again. So I would expect the results to be fast.
Janet K
7 Oct 2011
Ty... the Dr also has me on Zyprexa and Effexor ER. I hope it works. Tired of feeling this way :'(
slattery
7 Oct 2011
Yeah I know how it feels Janet. I went through six whole years of a bipolar slump, but the bottom line was that the combo wasn't right for me (depakote and zyprexa), and the dosage was too strong. I now take 500mg of depakote with 10mg of abilify, and feel like a thousand dollars. So hang in there, it'll come all right in the end!
Janet K
12 Oct 2011
Thanks I am trying. I have been on everything underneath the sun. I could ask him for the Abilfy back and see how I do on that. But, it seems like more is going on with me. I barley leave the house, when I am at the store or in public I get real nervous especially in an elevator with people. I haven't been to work in about 3 weeks. So I am not sure how that will play out. I go back next week after my Drs. appt. So I will see. I take Xanax for Anxiety. That should help. But, I still get so Anxious. I don't know anymore.
slattery
12 Oct 2011
Yes, I need to pop a xanax every few weeks Janet, but I try to keep it at that, as I remain unconvinced that the more you take, the better it is. I want to be at the lowest dosages possible in order for me to feel "at my game". You know, for so long- those six years, I turned into a shut-in, drugged up and sleeping 12 hours a day. I couldn't get on a train or a bus alone, as I would get a massive panic attack. It was just horrible! But I changed doctors, everything was changed, and suddenly one day, all was good with the world! With the help of God, this will happen with you too. You are on the prayer list.
Janet K
13 Oct 2011
Wow... I know that must have been hard for you. I couldn't imagine 6 years. Mine just started and I am already pulling my hair out. I Ty for your prayers. I also pray that you stay on track. It's just that I seem all alone and no one understands my condition. I feel embarrased sometimes. Just like when I have to go back to work. I am going to be asked all sorts of questions. Still trying to figure out what I am going to say.
slattery
13 Oct 2011
I know exactly what you mean. I originally "lost it" when my job at the trust office was closing... I had a psychotic breakdown, and was gone for five weeks. So the whole office knew what had transpired with me. Sure it is hard to keep your head up, when you know that they may know. But really Janet, so what? They are not paying your bills, you have so much more to worry about, and who cares what they think? Try not to feel alone... there are so many out there like you and I, and I do believe that God never gives us more than we can handle. So in the face of adversity, try to keep your chin up and HOPE!
Janet K
14 Oct 2011
Your right . Who cares. When I go back to work next week I am going to just walk in there and not pay any attention to them. I work in a nursing home. I am an STNA and around all women. So, I know how they can be. I don't ever put myself into all that he said she said crap. I will go in there with my head held high because your right they don't pay my bills. Plus I am there for my residents not them. And I know I am not alone. Sometimes I just feel that way. I have my family and fiance'. They do try to understand and are so supportive. But sometimes I don't understand and it drives me nuts. So I just pray and put it in Gods hands. I do alot of research on Bi-Polar. That way I can understand better and learn to try and take control of it so it doesn't control me. Thanks
slattery
14 Oct 2011
You go Janet, that's the spirit! You know, you have so much to live for... a good job, supportive family and nice fiancee. And it sounds like you do what I too do - try to look at the glass as half full, rather than as half empty. With this thing that we have, it's the only way to do it. Sometimes right enough, I get a bit angry, and feel that it wasn't fair that bipolar was visited upon me; but then I tell myself that it could be SO much worse, like those who have terminal cancer, or M.S., which is an awful degenerative disease. And yes, it's a great idea to do as much research and reading as possible on the illness, so that you know exactly what you are dealing with. You are so on the right track, thank God.
Janet K
16 Oct 2011
Yes Kathleen. You are right. I couldn't imagine dealing with cancer or MS or any terminal illness. My mom died of cancer 4 years ago and I watched her suffer. I also see my residents on a daily basis and I know that my life could be worse. I am 43 and there is a woman I take care of that has MS and she is younger than me. She can't get out of bed without help, she will never play with her grand kids. So I guess we should count our lucky stars. But, I can't help but feel bad. I think that is where my depression kicks in. Just watching and knowing these peoples illnesses and nothing I can do.
slattery
16 Oct 2011
Oh yes, your job has a whole lot to do with it all right. Anything around bipolar people, such as seeing people suffer, seems to "set us off" I think. I am presently visiting an older pal in a horrible psych unit here, and it really started getting to me, seeing her so unhappy there... so that I have had to cut my visits down to every two or three days. I feel very bad about that, but it was playing havoc with my own mentality. So Janet, this is probably what is triggering your depressive episodes... but what can you do - you need a job? I really feel for you, and wish I could put a better spin on it for you, but you are in a difficult situation. And you are carrying the problems of others home with you at night, as I tend to do.
Janet K
22 Oct 2011
I am so sorry about your friend. I know how hard that can be. I deal with these types of situations on a regular basis and it's rough. But, also mentally tiring. This is all I know. I can't do nothing else and I think that's what frustrates me the most. I also love what I do. I have the compasion and the heart for this. Just not the mental capacity. Does this make sense?
slattery
22 Oct 2011
No, it makes complete sense to me, as it is exactly how I am feeling! When I was well, each Sunday I did a thing called Eucharistic Ministry, which required that I take the Eucharist around to sick, elderly and dying people, plus spend time talking with them. I loved doing that. But now I can no longer do it, as things like this seem to weigh me down too much.
Even since the woman I told you about came out of the hospital, and I am going to visit her for hours on end a lot... well it seems to be having some sort of a weird effect on me, can't even describe it, except that I need a xanax after visiting with her. I just think what it is, is that people like ourselves get too involved and concerned about the troubles of others; and my therapist told me that it isn't a great idea. Janet, I know the market is bad, but did you ever consider other avenues of employment? You have a lot to offer, and you have to think about your OWN well-being you know! Anything else with your qualifications that you could do, which would place you in a happier environment?
Janet K
23 Oct 2011
I wish there was something else I could do Kathleen. But this is all I know. I have been doing this for 22 years. Plus I can't concentrate long enough with my nose in a book. Everyone I talk to said I would make a great nurse. That I should go get my LPN licence. But, isn't that defeating it's purpose? I mean if you really think about I wouldn't be getting away from it. Then someone told me about disability. That would take me forever to get. I can't be off work. It takes both of us to work. I just have to stay strong and not let this beat me. It's mind over matter. Right? And I have'nt touched my xanax as much since I have been off. I go back to work Monday the 24th. We'll see what happens.
slattery
23 Oct 2011
Janet, at least LOOK into disability. When I had that massive breakdown eight years ago, I applied. And right enough, it took maybe four months or so (which was hard, as like you I was depending on the hubby's income plus have four girls)... but like a miracle, I got it, plus ALL back monies, back-tracked to the hospitalization. And I've read that since that time, they have made it easier for bipolar people to apply.
Funny that you are considering this though, while I right now am contemplating how much I'd love to return to the work force. Nobody really knows with me how I would do (my hubby, myself, my therapist); but it is something that I would at least like to TRY. However, the market is pretty bad (so hard to get a job!), my prior skills demanded the ability to work in a high pressure, fast-paced environment, and in other words, my resume belies where I am today.
lol, but I wouldn't give ME a $23 million-dollar monthly budget to manage and spend at my discretion nowadays... would you?
I likewise was thinking of taking a course, something different to what I have historically done, to make myself more marketable. Janet, don't dismiss the nursing idea out of hand, you don't actually KNOW how you would perform, until you try it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Why not? It would be something to aspire toward, and you could take it nice and slow, there is no rush to get a whole pile of credits built up in a rush.
And I am feeling (just for myself) that a little daydream about a new job in the future is something to keep me positive and upbeat. I think that's probably true for you too... you feel caught in a rut, the job is getting under your skin, and it is making you depressed. So think about some life changes! It costs nothing to file a disability SSI claim, if you get turned down, you get turned down, but at least you tried. And just for the fun of it, at least LOOK into what local courses are available where you live to qualify you for a nursing qualification. I too agree that you would make a splendid nurse, based on your level of empathy for others; and having walked in some of their shoes as well!
Janet K
25 Oct 2011
Hmmmmm 23 million. That's something too consider. Just kidding . LOL I see what you are saying tho. But you know what for the first time in long time I woke up this morning and I feel like I can take on the world : ) Not sure what that's all about tho... LOL Kind of scary. But I want to keep this attitude. I love my job and my Residents. They have been asking about me. WHich also makes me feel good. I am obviously doing something right. As far as SSI I know I worked and put money into it but, I am only 43 and I just don't know what I would do with myself. Plus I am getting married in Sept. and we need the money to keep this going. I also have 3 grandchildren and I try to help them out as much as possible. I make pretty good money right now. I mean I have no complaints but, SSI I don't believe would touch what I am making. Oh Kathleen I just want to make sure I make the right decision. I will see how the next few months go and take it from there. I am in Ohio so I am not sure of the Laws here as far as SSI.
slattery
25 Oct 2011
Yeah Janet, I am still just 47, and you make some really valid points there. I would use social security as a LAST RESORT, as you got that right... it wouldn't be productive or healthy for you to just drop out of society. My job wound up anyway, so it's not like I had that safety net of going back into a job that I could do with my eyes closed, once I was feeling a bit better. (But truthfully, at that time, it was so bad that I COULDN'T have gone back to work any time soon).
Congrats Janet, you have SO MUCH to look forward to here! Getting married, three grandchildren... that is awesome, and those two things must make you so happy! I have four girls, three of whom are grown here in NYC, and the youngest is 13- just went into H.S. But yes being on SSI can be hard... you will see yourself missing your generous salary, plus then there is the question of how you would fill up your day.
What I do is to be actively involved in "day-fillers" (I guess that's what you'd call them)... attending the 8:15AM Mass daily, go for a long daily walk with a pal, girl scouts once a week, and parochial activities like scripture sharing, food pantry etc. But that in itself is not easy either, as what you are doing is just trying to keep your sanity by DOING things. So unless it were the case that you really couldn't cope with the stresses of the job any more, or it was contributing to your depression, then perhaps you are better off hanging in there, and giving this some serious thought. Plus remember that the job market is really bad out there now, and jobs are lucrative and hard to find.
I am delighted that you are feeling so much better now, this is just one more piece of good news! And of COURSE I have no doubts that your residents miss you, as you probably give your job 150%. Continue to feel better, and remember to try to look at the glass as being half-full, rather than as half empty. Tough sometimes, but that's what we must do.
Janet K
31 Oct 2011
Hi Kathleen,
Well I finished up my week of work Friday and it felt pretty good. I just can't help but think in the back of my mind that something is going to set it off all over again. But all in all I had a good week. NOw to start it all over again this week. I am going to hold off on the SSD or SSI which ever it may be. I live in Ohio and I heard it was tough to get it anyways. Then there is the expense of a lawyer that I surely cannot afford. I have figured out what I would do tho if I were to be off. I would watch my grandkids while my daughter and her boyfriend were at work. I don't see them that much cause of the way I work and their schedule. Tommy is 3 and Heavynn is 7 months. I had them over the weekend and I loved it. My oldest Kayleana is 6 and I could get her more than what I do. I also have 3 dogs to take care of plus a house. So maybe just maybe I can work something out.
But in all honesty Kathleen I don't want to be that person I was a few weeks ago.
It sounds like you had your hands full with 4 girls. I have 2 boys and a girl and I had my hands completely full. But that's because my oldest son gave me alot of problems. As a matter of fact that's why I started on medication. He gave me the blues. You name it he did it. He became trouble since he was 13 and he is 26 now and is never going 2 grow up. I threw that in GODS hands. I can't do it no more with him. I get so nervous I have to pop a xanax to be around him. JR doesn't want him at the wedding cause he feels he is going to act stupid. It hurts me. But, J is right. I do want him there but I know also how he is going to be. Don't know if Mark will come high or drunk or maybe both.
Have you ever had any problems like this and if so how in the world did you handle it? *****Janet*****
slattery
31 Oct 2011
Ah Janet, listen. My eldest daughter Elissa has my heart broken, and we have not talked for weeks. Like your son (Elissa's 24), I can only classify her as WILD... she drinks to excess (if she is not an alcoholic?), and she has robbed me blind using my debit card info on the sly... this last time to the tune of $800. She is a very talented writer, and is as smart as a whip, but screws up at school (or won't save up to pay for her education) every time she returns.
She has fleeced me so many times, setting me off each time I open my wallet, or look at my bank acct, and see negative balances. She stayed with us from Nov - June, and granted I did love having her here, as I adore her (I know she sounds like a horrible person, but she's such fun to be with also)... but I got burned yet again by her. My therapist thinks that Elissa probably has Borderline Personality Disorder...
but Janet, ppl with that personality disorder STILL know the difference between right and wrong.
So very much I can relate to how you feel - Elissa sets me off too, and for right now it is best that there is a bit of distance between me and her. Until such a time as she gets her act together anyway. But yes it breaks my heart.
Now about SSDI. I never did get a lawyer to help me get the thing. All you need is to call & request the papers, then take a form to your psych to fill out for you. (She/he will charge you for that service, maybe $100 or so). If you have had a hospitalization for bipolar, that will help also in getting it. If it is the case that you complete week two on the job, and feel that you cannot hack it, well then it is time to consider your options. Don't dismiss the possibility of getting the benefit out of hand - nothing ventured, nothing gained. And I read that in recent years, they have made it much easier for ppl with bipolar to get this. Heck, if they are giving it to foreigners or those with fake illnesses (sorry to start sounding political now!), they can give it to YOU, with a very legitimate, debilitating disease. Think about this anyway, after reviewing how you feel.
Wow, you sure COULD find many ways to keep yourself busy if you were on the benefit, so this would definitely be my plan "B". Plus you are getting married, so hopefully you can rely on another wage. I am in that situation, and yes it is tight (paying a mortgage plus paying for parochial tuition for my youngest- put all the rest of them through parochial school too. But luckily two of the girls got scholarships for college, so this was a godsend). Janet, I have developed a series of health issues which I believe to be related to taking these drugs - bi-monthly menstruation (and now I am supposed to be going on 12/1 to have the lining of my uterus removed!), pre-diabetes, & high cholesterol & triglycerides, even though I am just 119lbs and am strict w/ my diet.
So tomorrow I am seeing the psychiatrist w/my husband, to talk about ceasing these drugs for a period of time, to see if the problems (and especially the menstrual one) dissipates. I know that he'll probably hit the roof at this suggestion (I haven't touched the stuff since Fri)... but look. I am not going to have myself cut up, IF it is the drugs. This is serious. Please say a prayer for me that the guy is reasonable, and sees the logic of what I want to do. Y'know, it is what it is... but I would like to put this surgery on hold until maybe Feb, give it a couple of mths without the drugs, to see IF that is the cause of the menstrual problems. It never rains, but it pours, right? But I am feeling so nervous and worried right now about this whole thing. What's your opinion?
Janet K
1 Nov 2011
Oh Kathleen I really hope these kids wake up and realize what they really have before it is to late. My son {MARK} has burned his bridges threw out both sides of the families except dear ole Grandma. EWWWWWWWW I can't stand that woman. But, I washed my hands of him. He has done so much to me and I have given in to him everytime. No more. I know it's hard. But I have to think of my health.
I really hope all goes well with your daughter. I wish both of you the best. You both will be in my thoughts and prayers.
So, what your telling me I probably can't get disability unless I end up in the hospital a few times. And you can say whatever you want. Your not out of line in no means. You make a great point when it comes to SSI and other things. But I am not very big into Politics so please excuse me if I don't understand some things : )
As far as going off your meds I wouldn't do it because I don't want to feel like that. That's a terrible feeling. I would wait and talk to your Dr. and see what he says first. I hope all goes well tomorrow and I will keep you in my prayers. And yes Kathleen when it rains it pours. My transmission went out in my car and had to turn around and put money into that. I always said if it wasn't for bad luck I would not have no luck at all. Good Luck *****JaNet*****
slattery
1 Nov 2011
Janet, you are right - if we keep getting burned by an adult child who keeps on burning us, we have to put a bit of distance between ourselves and the child. You know I went away to Cape Cod last year with Elissa and her boyfriend, and her out of control dramatics and behavior put me over the edge - I had an episode. So my therapist said that she's what they term a "trigger" in my life. So yes, you are right. It is hard to do that, but for your or my own mental health, until they shape up and get with the program, you need to keep contact with such people (even though they are your own children!) at bay. But doesn't it hurt when you think of all you did for them growing up, busting your ass to give them everything, and you sort of just get a slap in the face in return?
I am going to see the dr. this morning Janet, and my husband is coming with me. These health issues need to be addresssed, and I have his support with respect to whatever I ultimately decide to do. You do understand that I can't just sit back and acquire diabetes or drop dead of a heart attack for the sake of continuing these drugs. lol, but I'd prefer to be an ALIVE crazy lady, than a dead one, I take the alive bit first ha, ha!
Now why I threw the hospital bit out to you with the SSDI was because I guess it helped when I was applying. But I did read that they have made it much easier for bipolar ppl to get the benefit than how it used to be a tricky enough thing. My therapist told me that if you DO get it, then you are allowed to return to work, and if it is the case that work affects you badly after having tried it, then they give you back the SSI easily again. But in the criteria, I doubt that it's absolutely necessary that you would have had to be hospitalized - just that you need drs lines saying that they feel you are not fit to work. It can't hurt to speak to your dr. at the very least about this.
I will let you know what transpired with me and the psychiatrist this afternoon - please say a prayer for me that he is objective, honest and weighs up all the facts. P.S. If you ever need to contact me off this website Janet, my e-mail is: Kwslattery11209@aol.com. Kathleen.
(Just if you ever need an on-line shoulder to cry upon, I am here!)
slattery
2 Nov 2011
Hey Janet, I have some good news, and it was SO WORTH going to see my doctor! I have to hand it to him, he really is a good guy. He was totally understanding about my predicament, and agreed with me that the risks of my taking an anti-psychotic like abilify outweighed the benefits, health-wise. So he made me see the light that I cannot abandon all the drugs - HAVE to keep the depakote (it's a mood stabilizer), as he said that if I go with nothing, the alternative is "that I might not come back" next episode. Now that statement was enough to put the fear of God into me. Point taken. But I just feel like a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders, as I was getting myself worked up into a state. I still have to worry about that grisly surgery on 12/1 to have the lining of my uterus removed, but I will cross that bridge when I come to it.
Janet K
2 Nov 2011
Hey Kathleen,
For starters I want to say "YEAH!" that's great. I am so happy to here that all is going to be ok. I had a feeling I was coming home to some good news tonight... LOL And I got your e-mail address wrote down. As far as the surgery don't worry. You will be fine. I know it. I will say a prayer for you tho. I was suppose to have a hysterectomy a few years back. Never did it. Only because my periods are real rough. I don't go near a Dr unless I absolutly have too. I would have to be on my death bed... HaHa Anyways, I had a pretty good night at work. Except a new worker started to piss me off and was talking bad about me. I got upset for a minute but then I let it roll off my shoulders. She isn't worth it. I walked down the hall to cuss her out and I had to stop and think real quick. So obviously the meds are working cause I would have torn into her so quick she wouldn't have known what hit her. I am very laid back and quiet.
But don't lie on me when it comes to my job. She told a few people I just stood there while call lights were going off. I take my job real seriously. And the worst part she seemed to stay away from me. When I walked passed she had someone else helping her. Then she told a few people she wasn't helping me. So I said Ok no problem because my nurse helps me and a few other people. Later on before it was time to leave she comes to me in a soft sweet voice "Janet do you need any help?" I'm like nope. I am cool. I don't know how I do it sometimes. I just wanted to smack the hell out of her so bad Kathleen. I thought about doing something else. But I can't. I think I told you that already. So after I am married I think I will try for the disabilty. I can't do this anymore. I even had a resident call me stupid tonight and she is in her right mind. She is always doing that to me. I never do nothing right for her she tells me. Ok let me stop. I'm just going on and on. I will talk to you tomorrow. Have a great Day! I am so happy for you... Janet
slattery
9 June 2013
Well actually Janet, yes I have seen you very DOWN at times; I note so by your postings sometimes on drugs.com. But really, I HAVE to say that the combo which continues to work excellently for ME continues t/b depakote ER, (now @ 1,500mgs); abilify (NOT zyprexa!) @ 5-10mgs after a week perhaps?, and yes 100%, take a 0.5mg dosage of xanax on a daily basis,if that is cool with your doc. Just throwing in my OWN ten cents there is all... IMHO ONLY!
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depakote, depakote er, bipolar disorder
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