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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is It Advisable To Stop The Depression Medication, Divaa, After Prolonged Use And What Are The Side Effects?

I am 57 years old and I have a problem of depression from the age of 24. I have gone through this phase in life every time i had to change a job. last was in 2007 when I was advised divaa od 1000 for 5 years by a new psychiatric. I could not contact him and changed it to divaa od 500 after 4 years. Now I feel better and stopped it all together. Have I done the right thing? what are the side effects and how to cope with them? Please help. Thanks
Mon, 20 Jan 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,
I have gone through your query and understand your concern.
It is not at advisable to stop these medications on your own and also abruptly.
Abruptly stopping Divalproex may cause withdrawal symptoms either simple or severe.
Divalproex is a seizure as well as bipolar disorder medication.
Abruptly stopping the medication can increase your risk of seizures, as you are taking divalproex for many years. To minimize the chances of developing Depakote withdrawal symptoms, you may wean you off of the medication slowly.
Even if you are switching to another depressant medication, we may still recommend stopping divalproex medication slowly.
Some common side effects are Drowsiness, Diarrhea, Nausea and/or vomiting , Fatigue/weakness, tremor (at high doses), Headache, Asthenia, Indigestion, ,Stomach cramps, Slurred speech, Insomnia, nervousness. AS you are taking divalproex for many years, my suggestion is switch to other newer antidepressant medication with fewer side effects.

Thus please consult a psychiatrist and switch to other drug.

Hope this helps.
Please write back for further queries.
Wishing you good health.
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Is It Advisable To Stop The Depression Medication, Divaa, After Prolonged Use And What Are The Side Effects?

Hello, I have gone through your query and understand your concern. It is not at advisable to stop these medications on your own and also abruptly. Abruptly stopping Divalproex may cause withdrawal symptoms either simple or severe. Divalproex is a seizure as well as bipolar disorder medication. Abruptly stopping the medication can increase your risk of seizures, as you are taking divalproex for many years. To minimize the chances of developing Depakote withdrawal symptoms, you may wean you off of the medication slowly. Even if you are switching to another depressant medication, we may still recommend stopping divalproex medication slowly. Some common side effects are Drowsiness, Diarrhea, Nausea and/or vomiting , Fatigue/weakness, tremor (at high doses), Headache, Asthenia, Indigestion, ,Stomach cramps, Slurred speech, Insomnia, nervousness. AS you are taking divalproex for many years, my suggestion is switch to other newer antidepressant medication with fewer side effects. Thus please consult a psychiatrist and switch to other drug. Hope this helps. Please write back for further queries. Wishing you good health.