I'm dropping the lithium, Luvox and Risperdal but keeping the Depakote to go with the Latuda. I'm cautious because Depakote really drains the color out of life for me. Will adding Latuda combat this or enhance it?
Latuda with Depakote?
Question posted by Jacom011 on 6 Jan 2012
Last updated on 1 November 2017 by NickL1381
5 Answers
NickL1381
2 Nov 2017
I take Latuda 60mg and depakote 500mg twice a day. Latuda makes me sleepy at night but for me that's a good thing. I'm not up until 5am anymore. I sleep well and wake refreshed not exhausted. For me, Latuda has been amazing. Best of luck to you
sruasonid
23 Dec 2012
@slattery Latuda is an "atypical antipsychotic" class drug, which is why it is used for schizophrenia. However, Zyprexa is also an atypical antipsychotic, and it is (and has been for many years) used for Bipolar Disorder. The difference is that Latuda delivers the same beneficial effect without the serious side effects of Zyprexa (rapid, extreme weight gain, metabolic changes that can lead to diabetes, etc.).
@Jacom011 I take Latuda and Depakote together and have now for almost two years, and the combination has really been helpful for me. I had to find the correct dose of the Depakote, because I had problems with it too until the amount was properly adjusted. The time you take Depakote makes a difference for me, as well. I had to play with the timing of both, and found that taking all of it together right after dinner/before bedtime (I eat late, lol) works best for me.
Addresses the "tiredness" issues and stabilizes moods better. I switched several months ago to the ER version of the Depakote, which also made a huge difference.
Additionally, if you're taking a generic version of Depakote, be aware of which form of generic you're getting. There are two completely different formulas for generic Depakote and they are NOT the same at all. They are Divalproex Sodium and Valproaic Acid - I'm horribly allergic to the latter and it sent me to the ER in an ambulance when I stopped breathing after the pharmacist used it for a refill instead of the Divalproex without telling me. Ask your pharmacist which s/he is using for your Rx and if they're switching off, you may want to choose one or the other and stick with it. Check with your Pdoc on that too, and find out which version one s/he recommends.
In my experience, the Latuda seems to relieve the "depressive" side of the BP, so I'm wondering whether that may be of help with your Depakote "drain." Sounds logical to me, but I'd suggest you ask your Pdoc what s/he thinks. This combination works very well for me; I get the relief I enjoyed with the Depakote/Zyprexa combo without the troublesome (and potentially life-threatening) side effects of Zyprexa. It's easier to take, as well, because it accomplishes this with a much smaller dose that can be taken once a day.
Hope this info helps!
medic1982
27 Jan 2012
I am adding latuda to the long list of medications I take for schizoaffective disorder! I am hop it helps with the death thoughts as well as the suicidal thoughts! I am interested in any information people have or want to share on this topic.
sruasonid
7 Jan 2012
Hi. Latuda and Depakote ER are the combination I take. I was specifically given Latuda because I have narcolepsy and it was a lot less likely than Zyprexa (which I'd taken before) to put me to sleep. Been on this combo for 7 months now, and I have to say I really feel the improvement. Very good change for me, all in all. I was doing terrible for the past two years before the change. Good luck.
slattery
7 Jan 2012
Hi, I totally agree with your advice that depakote combined with zyprexa is a brutal cocktail... I did that for six years, and it was the biggest mistake I ever made. Can't help the poster with the latuda question, as it puzzles me... I heard that it was a drug for schizophrenia, and that as per the FDA, that was the only approved indication for this drug... but that it WAS used as an off-label drug in certain cases for the treatment of bipolar. That it probably WILL down the line be approved for this particular usage, but as it currently stands, it is only doctors, without FDA official approval, issuing prescriptions for this drug. Same thing for topomax... an "off-label" drug i.e. a possible mood stabilizer, which carries the advantage that it is a weight -LOSING rather than gaining drug. Due to that, I was itching to get my hands on it (as that's all it takes to sell a drug to me lol... even my pals would be jealous if I had such a thing!!! )...
but my doc shot me down very fast on that idea... said that as it hadn't met with FDA approval for this usage, he wouldn't issue it to me. Interesting how doctors vary... some are willing to take chances on non-approved drugs, whereas others just wont go there with you.
Hope that this latuda drug turns out to be a success story.
slattery
7 Jan 2012
Hi, I totally agree with your advice that depakote combined with zyprexa is a brutal cocktail... I did that for six years, and it was the biggest mistake I ever made. Can't help the poster with the latuda question, as it puzzles me... I heard that it was a drug for schizophrenia, and that as per the FDA, that was the only approved indication for this drug... but that it WAS used as an off-label drug in certain cases for the treatment of bipolar. That it probably WILL down the line be approved for this particular usage, but as it currently stands, it is only doctors, without FDA official approval, issuing prescriptions for this drug. Same thing for topomax... an "off-label" drug i.e. a possible mood stabilizer, which carries the advantage that it is a weight -LOSING rather than gaining drug. Due to that, I was itching to get my hands on it (as that's all it takes to sell a drug to me lol... even my pals would be jealous if I had such a thing!!! )...
but my doc shot me down very fast on that idea... said that as it hadn't met with FDA approval for this usage, he wouldn't issue it to me. Interesting how doctors vary... some are willing to take chances on non-approved drugs, whereas others just wont go there with you.
Hope that this latuda drug turns out to be a success story.
Jacom011
7 Jan 2012
I've been on every imaginable combination of medications over the years. It's come to the point that I just get whatever is "new" from my doctor. I seem to be his guinea pig for "off label use". Always looking for that miracle drug (like Zyprexa was) that doesn't carry the horrible side effects. I've been battling mental illness since I was first diagnosed in 1976 at six years old. Certain medications work great but have terrible side effects and some drugs are low on side effects but don't do much. The real trouble is that it usually takes YEARS on different meds to figure this out. I'm sure you can relate. So far the Latuda just keeps me awake at night and makes me feel like I should keep moving all the time. I'm in the first two weeks so I know it will pan out over time. It's definitely helped with my mood. Being in a support group helps as well. I can't rely on just the medication to make me feel well - I have to put in the effort as well.
Inactive
6 Jan 2012
Hello Jacom011. You might not see any real noticeable fatique. I read that between 2 to 6 % of people using Latuda complain of feeling tired. Hopefully you'll not be among them. The best of wishes to you along with good health,pledge
Related topics
depakote, luvox, risperdal, bipolar disorder, lithium, schizoaffective disorder, latuda
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