when your on Depakote, do you have to keep taking it or can you stop it suddenly

I was on depakote too.I would not stop taking it without talking to a doctor.It wo not hurt you but it will make you have mood swings again and you may get withdrawal symptoms depending on the length of time you have been taking it.

After 3 weeks, I think you'd know. You're not really supposed to stop taking any medications suddenly & I can not be bothered to look up depakote right now, because I am as lazy as u r in that respect & it is not my medication. Anyway, you're not to stop meds suddenly, but often doctors refuse to help u stop especially if u allow yourself to be pushed around. I know. You could call ur pharmacist & ask for some advice.

I wo not lecture u on quitting medications because it is within ur right to deny treatment of any mental illness u may have, but u should be aware of the possible consequences. Anyways, calling ur pharmacist, a nurse hotline or telling ur doctor what u r doing & asking for his medical advice when it comes to stopping medications cannot get u into trouble. You cannot be involuntarily commited or force fed medications for simply refusing treatment. Good luck!

Ideally, you should taper off slowly (rather than stopping suddently for weeks at a stretch). Depakote is also an anti-seizure med. It should not hurt you to re-start, but the safest bet (as always) is to confirm with your doc.

Best of luck to you,
~M~

You really should wean off depakote. It could have a rebound effect. Although if you've gone 3 weeks you may be past the worst of the withdrawls. Call your MD, so your medical records will be correct. Why did you stop taking it? It is none of my business but the doctor needs know.