Afraid to take Depakote

I'd be too! My standard post on bipolar disorder follows: BIPOLAR DISORDER. See bipolar disorder, at http://ezy-build.net. (.net.nz/~shaneris) in section 10. Bipolar usually involves major moodswings, which occur without apparent cause, & often over months, rather than days, as with most people (unless rapid cycling). I'd try the Lithium Orotate, enhanced with Folic acid, & take 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements daily, replacing 2 of them with cod liver oil supplements in the winter months, & see how that goes, over several weeks, & maintaining the treatments for the depressive phase, in section 2. If not considerably improved (or at least comparable with ur present condition) consult ur primary mental health care provider. If bipolar type 1, an antipsychotic is also required. If u r happy with ur current situation, add the Omega 3, for other health benefits: see mercola.com TASKBAR. In this instance, I recommend examining the 1-800-therapist website, & using the locators, & phone book, to find a psychologist (they do not prescribe, so r less influenced by drug company rep is hype) who believes in minimal necessary medication. You stated: ''doctor'' : AN EXPERT DIAGNOSIS, BY A PSYCHOLOGIST, OR PSYCHIATRIST IS REQUIRED! In too many instances, the wrong diagnosis is made by MD's, & years can be wasted. Print this, & show to ur parents, or refer them to this answer. Because u r so young, & it is unusual for bipolar disorder to be diagnosed so early, see if u can cope, just using the supplements, & treatments, for a few months. If not, the next stage is to try, for a few months, the Lithium Orotate, enhanced with Folic acid, as above. Only after that, should u still not be managing well (unlikely) would I consider using other psychopharmaceuticals. DEPAKOTE:
Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with ur doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

body aches or pain ; congestion; cough; dryness or soreness of throat; fever ; hoarseness runny nose; tender, swollen glands in neck ; trouble in swallowing; voice changes

Less common

Abdominal or stomach cramps (severe); behavioral, mood, or mental changes; blurred vision;; confusion; ; continuous, uncontrolled back-and-forth and/or rolling eye movements; earache, redness or swelling in ear; dizziness,; double vision; faintness, or light-headedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly; sweating; unusual tiredness or weakness; fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse; heavy, nonmenstrual vaginal bleeding; increase in seizures; loss of appetite; nausea or vomiting (continuing); rapid weight gain; spots before eyes; swelling of face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet; tingling of hands or feet; tiredness & weakness; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual weight gain or loss; vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds; yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as ur body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with ur doctor if any of the following side effects continue or r bothersome:

More common

Abdominal or stomach cramps (mild); acid or sour stomach; belching; heartburn; indigestion; stomach discomfort, upset or pain; change in menstrual periods; crying paranoia; quick to react or overreact emotionally; rapidly changing moods; depersonalization; dysphoria; diarrhea; euphoria; hair loss; indigestion; lack or loss of strength; loss of appetite; loss of bowel control; mental depression; nausea & vomiting; paranoia; quick to react or overreact emotionally; rapidly changing moods; sleepiness or unusual drowsiness; trembling of hands & arms

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If u notice any other effects, check with ur doctor. Check out all medications first at the belowmentioned website, so u will be aware of the risks, & side effects to look for.

try not to worry so much they have to test you for potiental liver damage but it is very ,very rare . more worrisome are the other side effects like hair loss ,stomach pains/ constipation, moodiness, ect. Just take your meds as perscribed and keep your doctor informed on how the side effects are bothering you. If they are really bad he can always put you on something else.

If you do take Depakote also take Selenium .It will help to keep your hair from falling out.Geodon is seriously dangerous to any one with a heart arrhythmia (irregular beat).Join a sports team or start playing a musical instrument.Try to do something natural with your energy and emotion.Nothing will get better until you are proud of your own accomplishments.

If you are that afraid, you might want to talk to your doctor in more detail. My daughter took depakote a few years ago and she did not have any side affects. the blood testing usually is a way of monitering the meds after taking for an extended time. Good luck .

Depakote is often used for Bipolar Disorder. My 12 yr. old son has Bipolar and he is on Depakote. Unfortunately you would have to have blood test done approx once a month to once every two months, but you will get use to that. I know taking any medication is scary, cause there are not many without side effects. If you are really that scared, you should discuss how you are feeling with your parents and your doctor. Good luck and I hope everything works out for you!!!

I do not mean to be embarrassing, but have u gone through puberty yet? I ask because I do not believe that children (that is, those who have not gone through puberty) can accurately be diagnosed with any mental disorder.

Are u SURE you're bipolar & not just very emotional from lots of hormones??? The last thing u want to do is mess with ur brain at age 13 because it is still developing (till age 25), still making connections with neurons & no one yet knows the effect of these hardcore medicines (like Depakote) longterm on a developing brain, especially one as young as yours.

The liver thing would scare me to death too!! My mom is cousin is in her 50 is & had to have a liver transplant from taking so much medication her entire life, & now she is like chained to a hospital & has complications constantly & likely wo not live very long.

Definately get a 2nd opinion before u go on a med like Depakote!! Do plenty of research & reading online about any medicine a doctor prescribes before u take it. There was something about Depakote that scared me away, although I can not remember what it is right now.