My husband was just diagnosed with Bipolar Schizoaffective with manic episodes. They prescribed him with these two medications. I’ve heard good things about the AP. Not sure about the Depakote. Has anyone been on this before? Side effects? Weird things?
I think @Wave knows about Depakote. Hopefully he’ll have some input when he comes online.
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Yeah I’m on both.
Just listen to the doctors.
Both of these meds are saving my life.
But they have lots of side effects.
It’s a trade off of sorts.
Depakote is hard on your liver.
Blood testing is mandatory with this drug.
It’s also a very effective mood stabilizer especially for all kinds of mania and mixed episodes.
It is sedating usually - it takes some time to get used to.
He’s in the hospital now. I have been studying APs for awhile and I’m okay with the risperidone. But I’m wondering if the Depakote is too much for him. He only gets these manic episodes because of the voices.
And I’ve seen on here that it’s really hard to function on Depakote.
Hi @Crashcourse101. I’d like to encourage you to join our forum for Family and Caregivers that can be found at:
While this is a peer support forum for people with schizophrenia and other closely related psychotic disorders, the Family forum is specifically for people like yourself, who have a loved one they are concerned about.
Also, please let your loved one know about this forum as they may find it helpful.
Best of luck,
Ninjastar
Volunteer Moderator
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