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Why Are Risperdal And Depakote Insisted Upon For Major Depression?

Posted on Mon, 21 Feb 2022

Question: what is major depression. why do the drs insist on treating it with risperdal and depakote. i have stopped both because of the side effects.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Soujanya (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Major depression is extreme sad mood with suicidal thoughts.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Major depression is extreme sad mood with suicidal thoughts
with or without psychotic symptoms.

So, that is the reason, you need to take antipsychotics like Risperidone and Depakote to control your mood symptoms.

I advise you to please continue those medications with the advise your treating doctor.

Hope this information would help you.
Feel free to ask any further questions.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Soujanya (2 hours later)

I feel trapped. These meds do not alleviate any depression. They make it worse by making me weigh 250 pounds and that makes my life even worse and more depressed. I attempted suicide in april while on these meds. They are not helping. What other form of treatment is an option.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Soujanya (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
My suggestion.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

I can find that you got frustrated from the side effects of those medications.

So, I can advise you to decrease the dose of Depakote if you does not have mood fluctuations.

It is advisable to take antidepressants like ESCITALOPRAM along with the above medication.

Even you can stop risperidone if you does not have any psychotic symptoms.

So, please discuss with your treating doctor regarding this and follow accordingly.

Hope this information would help you.
Thank you.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad