Anticonvulsant drug found to help bipolar alcoholics

[blue neen]

"University of Pittsburgh researchers have found that an anticonvulsant drug may help reduce alcohol use in people with bipolar disorder.

A study published in this month's issue of the journal Archives of General Psychiatry found that patients with both alcoholism and bipolar disorder who took the drug valproate drank less heavily and less often than people with those disorders who did not take the drug.

If confirmed by other studies, the finding could have a significant impact on treatment and lead to broader use of the drug, local physicians say. Forms of valproate are marketed under several trade names, including Depakote.
<snip>

Researchers believe valproate appears to affect receptors in the brain linked to both alcohol use and withdrawal."

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05004/436763.stm

The University of Pittsburgh is very progressive in their research of mental illness. My son, who is bipolar, just participated in a research study there.

[Droopy]

1. That's good news

I know that many people with bipolar have troubles with alcohol due to self medicating before they got treatment. I've met two people in my three stays in the hospital who were both bipolar and alcoholic.

I've taken Depakote in the past, but lithium works better for me. If I had to stop taking lithium, though, I wouldn't be too upset with having to take Depakote. One good thing about it is that you do not have to have your blood tested if you take Depakote.

What kind of study did your son participate in, blue neen? I've wanted to do something like that for a while, but very few people are researching my illness and when a research program does pop up it's usually some place about 500 miles away from where I live.

[blue neen]

2. Hi Droopy!

He was in a research study for people with bipolar illness who are also at additional risk for alcoholism (my dad was an alcoholic). It was a 12 week study, and they even paid him $20 each time to cover his expenses!

A number of doctors interviewed him. He was found to actually have a relatively low risk for alcoholism (personality factors, family support, etc.). The risk is always somewhat increased because of the mental illness, but I think he was very relieved to know
he's on the low end right now. His dad and I certainly were.

We are taking nothing for granted, though. We will keep a close eye on this, without trying to go overboard!

How far are you from Pittsburgh? They have studies going on almost constantly at UPMC (affiliated with Pitt). It was definitely a worthwhile experience for him.

Thanks! :)

[Droopy]

3. I live near Dayton, Ohio

So that would put me at probably 200-250 miles away from Pittsburgh. I wouldn't be able to participate in any studies there unless they let me have leave from work, but I really can't afford to do that even if they would.

I know what you are saying about increased risk for alcoholism due to mental illness. My dad is an alcoholic and he has suffered from depression for most of his adult life. He just recently stopped drinking and got help for the depression. I used to be a heavy drinker. I definitely have done some self medicating in my time. Even after I started on meds I still drank out of habit. But after a little while I cut back and made it only an occasional thing. I haven't had a drink in 2 months now and I don't intend to go back to even being an occasional drinker.

It's probably best for your son if he never has a drink. I think I remember you saying that he was around 21. It will probably be hard for someone that age to abstain, but it will be worth it if he can.

[blue neen]

5. You have a good memory!

He is 21. He's living in Pittsburgh right now, all of his friends are in college, so it's really hard to abstain in that atmosphere.
That's why his dad and I are trying to keep a good eye on him.

He also takes lithium, along with Effexor. I have often wondered if Depakote would be a better choice for him because I have epilepsy.
All anti-depressants are pro-seizure, and I wonder if his brain is "wired" for that, too. He seems to be doing okay on the lithium, though. What did you find to be the main differences between lithium and Depakote?

BTW, I take Neurontin for my epilepsy and a small amount of Clonazepam (Klonopin). Depakote did not work as well and made me grouchy!

[Droopy]

7. Depakote worked well at controlling my mood swings

But I was sort of emotionally cold when I was on it.

For instance, the other day a guy was walking out of a restaraunt as I was walking in. I had parked right next to him and he noticed my Kerry bumper sticker. He had one, too. He looked at me and smiled and said, "I'm keeping my Kerry bumper sticker on my car for the next four years." I looked around to see what he was talking about and laughed and said I was going to, also. We then talked for a few minutes about that asshole Bush. In my Depakote days I wouldn't have responded to him the way I did. I probably would have said, "That's cool," and walked right by him. I would have considered it going out of my way to talk to him and would have been irritated.

I'm not saying that everyone will respond to the drug the same way, that's just the affect that it had on me. It is also important to note that I was on another drug at the time I was taking Depakote and it could have been a reaction between the two that made me feel the way I did.

[depakid]

4. That's good news

because valproate (depakene) and divalproex (depakote) are both hepatoxic (harmful to the liver).

Quite aside from the fact that bipolar patients at a much greater risk of alcohol and substance abuse, you really don't want to do a double number on your liver...

[blue neen]

6. Very true, depakid.

I'm assuming from your user name that you use Depakote. Do you have to get period blood tests to check your liver function?

:hi:

[depakid]

8. Yep- the stuff saved my life

My LFT's look great (even though I do drink from time to time).

I usually get checked every 8 months or so now, although it's smart to get blood work done every 3 months for the 1st year, not only to look at LFT's, but to be sure that you have the proper therapuetic dose of valproic acid (the metabolite of depakote & depakene) in your bloodstream- 50 to 100 mcg/ml

I also take a liver prophyaxis called 'sylmarin' that's derived from milk thistle. It's a polyphenolic flavonoid antioxidant that protects the liver against a whole range of toxic agents and has been used as a therapy for hepatitis and even amanita poisoning.