Brief Answer:
Depakote and Lamotrigine have great efficacy in rapid cycling.

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

Rapid Cycling Bipolar is difficult to treat condition. Conventional mood stabiliser drugs like Lithium or Carbamazapine have less efficacy in treatment of rapid cycling.

Mood stabilisers like Lamotrigine and also Divalproex Sodium have good effectiveness in treatment. I personally prefer to use Divalproex Sodium for treatment as mono therapy in rapid cycling.

Combination treatment of Mood stabilisers and low dose second generation antipsychotics like Olanzapine, Lurasidone, Quetiapine etc have great results in controlling rapid cycling.

Thanks.

---

Brief Answer:
The drug is relatively safer drug.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

Divalproex sodium is relatively a safer drug. The drug is associated with nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness or sleepiness etc side effects. In some rare cases the drug might result in hepatic impairment especially in those with pre-existing hepatic illness. Low platelet count is other rare side effect, in some susceptible individuals the drug could increase bleeding tendencies.

The drug is safe to use and has great efficacy if used in proper supervision. Monthly complete blood count and liver function tests are advised to patients especially during first few months of starting the treatment.

Thanks. Take care

---