I am currently tapering off klonopin following Heather Ashton's valium substitution program http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/index.htm.
Last week my doctor suggested I also take Depakote to reduce my often awful withdrawal symptoms which include balance problems, floating, soft floor, muscle weakness, dizziness, tinnitus, depersonalizaton, panic, anxiety, etc. In just a few days of taking it, my symptoms have been cut in half, if not more, but I am still trying to learn more from others with experience using this med because I don't want to lengthen the withdrawal process or create new problems. Anyone know about this med and if it is effective in this regard?
Another reason he gave it to me was because I also take 500mg of GABA 2x/day in supplement form because I have movement disorder called cervical dystionia where I have out of control neck spasms and body contortions (the reason I was put on klonopin). Klonopin and GABA supplements helped in this regard, but the GABA could be combining in a weird way with my meds, adding to my symptoms, so he suggested Depakote instead to increase GABA levels.
Depakote was not prescribed to me for migraines, seizures or bipolar disorder as it typically is. It was to try and reduce my withdrawal symptoms.
I was hoping someone could share with me if Depakote is a useful "crutch" to aid one it tapering off benzodiazepines, like klonopin and valium, and if there are any addictive qualities to Depakote I should be concerned about, or other potential problems, aside from it being rough on the liver, which I have been made of aware of.
Any feedback on Depakote in general, and more specifically on its uses in withdrawing from other meds, is very much appreciated!
Tom
Last week my doctor suggested I also take Depakote to reduce my often awful withdrawal symptoms which include balance problems, floating, soft floor, muscle weakness, dizziness, tinnitus, depersonalizaton, panic, anxiety, etc. In just a few days of taking it, my symptoms have been cut in half, if not more, but I am still trying to learn more from others with experience using this med because I don't want to lengthen the withdrawal process or create new problems. Anyone know about this med and if it is effective in this regard?
Another reason he gave it to me was because I also take 500mg of GABA 2x/day in supplement form because I have movement disorder called cervical dystionia where I have out of control neck spasms and body contortions (the reason I was put on klonopin). Klonopin and GABA supplements helped in this regard, but the GABA could be combining in a weird way with my meds, adding to my symptoms, so he suggested Depakote instead to increase GABA levels.
Depakote was not prescribed to me for migraines, seizures or bipolar disorder as it typically is. It was to try and reduce my withdrawal symptoms.
I was hoping someone could share with me if Depakote is a useful "crutch" to aid one it tapering off benzodiazepines, like klonopin and valium, and if there are any addictive qualities to Depakote I should be concerned about, or other potential problems, aside from it being rough on the liver, which I have been made of aware of.
Any feedback on Depakote in general, and more specifically on its uses in withdrawing from other meds, is very much appreciated!
Tom
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i used it to withdraw from methadone, which i was using to withraw from heroin. it worked, but you should not expect miracles. it definitely helped a lot, though, especially with the restlessness and insomnia.
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