Valproic acid and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• ver...
• February 29, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "Once diagnosed with bipolar 2, they switched me from Seroquel to sodium valproate. Initially, 200 mg am & pm. The difference was amazing! Sure, a bit of loose bowel, but that went away. I was clear, focused, & calm. We did baseline blood levels. But whilst waiting to see the psychiatrist next, I went slightly high, then crashed the next week. Fortunately, I managed to get a message to the psychologist & psychiatrist. The doctor wanted to increase the dose, but when you've lived with lows, it becomes normal. I didn't know how bad I was. Luckily, my appointment with the psychiatrist was about 4-5 days later. He realized I could hardly tell what day it was. I had little memory of the previous few days. He wanted to admit me, but I have no care for my son. So, he increased my dose immediately to 500 am & pm. A bit groggy the first am, but I came good extremely fast. Absolutely an amazing drug. Acts so fast. A little bit of dry mouth, but I think that'll pass. It's a lifesaver. I really wanted to stay working, & it got me back to normal very quickly."

• Pal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 6, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "I’ve been on it for about 3 months now. I can’t say it has been good at all. Last month has been the worst - aside from the lack of efficacy, I experienced weight gain, thinning hair, tremors, diarrhea. From a ‘mind’ point of view, I have never been so confused, one minute good, the next very anxious and with lots of irrational racing thoughts (and I’ve been prescribed it over lithium for its supposed anti-anxiety properties). I’m trying to convince my doctor it’s not the drug for me. Best wishes to you all."

• Mis...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 23, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "Have been on valproic acid 1000 mg. Recently was told to lower to 750 mg at bedtime for insomnia. Feel flat affect; would like my feelings back. Tremors were a problem. Less after lowering meds. Diarrhea aplenty! Thinning hair, depression, nightmares. Sharp pain in the right abdomen wakes me up from sleep."