Does valproic acid work for anxiety disorders like panic disorder ?
Some studies say it does. What do u guys think ?
Yes, it increases GABA - it is a calming medication.
I was on it for years and my anxiety was pretty much controlled.
I will be back on Depakote ER - but I would not take it unless you are primarily prone towards having manic or mixed episodes.
It can be a harsh drug with lots of different unwanted side effects - weight gain, liver damage, etc…
Special blood tests are required with this medication, it can be toxic if not closely monitored.
Yes indeed, the stephen stahl book does say it increases GABA.
I’m right now on a low dose 400mg/day controlled release version. I think this dose may not be harsh on the body.
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I may go back on it - I dont know yet, will be talking to my pdoc later this week
I am starting Depakote tomorrow - going to the 1000mg mark.
Its a very calming drug, great for rapid cycling and mixed states.
Aso a very good drug for anxiety.
Good luck with it @clinic
Cool. Right now its making me sleepy and bit tired. I take 200mg in am and 200mg in pm. I also have sexual dysfunction(dry orgasm) which I suspect valproate is causing. I’m also on clozapine.
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The sexual dysfunction is probably from the clozapine, not the Depakote.
Are u aware it may cause decreased bone mineral density ? What u think ?
That pic is from Prescriber’s Guide (Stahl’s Essential Psychopharmacology) - stephen stahl 5th edition
I dont think that this is a commons side effect.
Having blood tests that check liver functioning is more important on this drug
it is mainly for stablizing mood…but yes like @Wave said the drug does make GABA (calming chemical) go up, which is the principle behind most anti-anxieties.
I just think it’s like whacking a mole with Mjolnir… Thor’s hammer.
Buspar is better as a first-line defense against anxiety. Hardcore meds like depakote come with risk of getting liver problems when taken with acetaminophen OR a certain anesthetic, and benzos are just bad news for most people in the long run. They are deadly in withdrawals and overdose. They also dirty up your enzymes which are needed for bodily functions. People pretty much risk getting dependent on a benzo by taking it once.
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I was on it years ago. I can say for sure it does calm your anxiety. nearly kills all your anxiety. But I think I had memory problems too. But it was bearable. Good luck.
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Does buspirone work for OCD/Panic ? What about gabapentin/pregabalin ?
OCD type panic is more the job of an antidepressant
Gabapentin is for neuropathic pain
Luvox is one of the best for OCD
The way to remember buspar is that it is for the worried well- it is not very hard-hitting and takes weeks to work, works differently than other ant anxieties but therefore isn’t easy to abuse or build tolerance to. It can be taken long term, but panic is short term.
All SSRIs make me gain weight. So I cant take them. Luvox/Prozac also increases the blood levels of antipsychotic through CYP450 which can worsen the antipsychotic side effects.
Gabapentin and pregalin is used off label for anxiety. Pregabalin is approved for GAD in Europe.
Buspar is usually hit or miss.
It does not work for a lot of people with severe anxiety issues.
But when it works it does its job.
For more severe anxiety/panic issues, I would go with a Benzo like Klonopin or Ativan, on an as needed basis. (A bit Risky)
Or I would try to Gabapentin or Pregablin (basically non addictive)
Low dose Depakote is a good choice for Anxiety/Panic - but at higher doses 1000mg - 2000mg
It’s mainly used for mood stabilization.
At these higher doses blood tests are required to monitor how well your liver is functioning.
Levels should be tested especially at higher doses because Depakote can be toxic at higher levels.
Depakote is a big weight gaining drug at doses above 1000mg. Not so much at lower doses.
Buspar has an SSRI effect which takes weeks to work- and it is not known for weight gain. What exactly is your dx? I am trying to figure out what symptoms you want relief from
Psychosis, OCD/Anxiety/Panic. I also have cognitive impairment(poor working memory/attention/concentration)
Im already gaining weight which i suspect is caused by either clozapine or valproic acid
whoa man clozapine can cause obesity, not just weight gain…even if you eat saltine crackers twice a day. I would blame it for weight gain. Valproate is usually used for mood disorders, but the GABA (calming chemical) property on paper should help with the panic and anxiety. Maybe ask about Anafranil (clomipramine) for that OCD. It and Luvox are known for helping OCD, with Anafranil being a heavy-hitter against depression as well.
What other meds have you tried? I looks like you might have a mood element to your case…because valproate is just usually for mood disorders…and by the way, Clozapine can straight up CAUSE OCD so that might be what is happening. OCD can be as debilitating as schizophrenia.
Clomipramine makes me psychotic, I can’t take it. No i don’t have any mood element in my case. Pdoc put me on valproic acid cuz of myoclonic jerks(type of seizure) caused by clozapine. Initially he suggested benzo for seizures but I refused to take it, then he suggested valproate.
Previously we used to blame clozapine for my obesity but it was prozac which was causing the weight gain. After I stopped prozac, I lost 17kgs. I think maybe this time it’s cuz I increased my clozapine dosage or maybe cuz of valproate.