Well, I was going to try to start my pre-taper to come off of Depakote this week, but my sleep has been an issue, so I'm going to wait awhile. I told my bipolar support group that I was having trouble sleeping, and was getting stomach issues too. This is usually a sign that I'm getting manic, and they recommended I wait to taper and talk to my psychiatrist. I also told sleep specialist Dr. Shane (I mentioned him in a previous post on sleep) that I was having issues, and he also suggested I wait. So, I'm waiting!
Spoke with my psychiatrist this morning, Dr. Will Van Derveer, and he suggested I up my Depakote 500mgER for several nights and see if that helps. Then I'd back down off of it if I can get this under control. I don't like getting 5 hours of sleep a night, and when my stomach hurts, it makes it worse. I sense this is coming up because I've been stressed about going off of the Depakote. My ego doesn't want me to feel pain, so it's throwing a hissy fit that I don't taper!
I know someday I will get off of my meds, but for now, I'll just try to relax and get a good nights sleep the next few nights. Along with the Depakote, per Dr. Shane, I'm also taking the supplements Theanine and Phosphatidyl Serine, or Seriphos. Theanine helps promote calmness, and Seriphos aids in reducing cortisol levels, which can impact sleep.
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