Depakote, good or bad?

[ohmama]

I just got off the phone with my sons doctor and I'm sick to my stomach. He prescribed Depakote 125mg 2x a day for 2 weeks, then after two weeks he should take it 2 in the AM and 1 in the PM. No blood test till reaching this target dose (after 3 weeks).

We are trying to stabilize his temporal lobes and I know it won't be easy but I feel this is a heavy duty drug and it scares me. He won't prescribe anything else and feels this is what to do.

When I look at my boy I think he is not that bad. He is my little boy and I just want to cry. I'm not so sure this med is a good idea for him. I think if I liked the doctor I would feel better about this but I don't.

I would appreciate hearing from anyone using this for their child. Good or bad I want to hear it all.

[Amsmom]

Ohmama,
My ds8 (adhd/bipolar) has been on Depakote for over a year and it has been very effective for stabilizing his mood. I don't think there is any medication that we are ever totally comfortable with giving our precious kids. It helps when you see how well they are doing when the meds are successful in improving the child's quality of life. We get periodic liver function levels. Thankfully, he has not had any problems (knock wood). I am extremely fortunate to have the best child psychiatrist for my ds. I trust and respect this man completely. I remember that your ds has been dx with "ring of fire", similar to bipolar. Lithium and tegretol did not help my son's mood disorder, but Depakote has. He is on 250mg AM and 500 mg PM. I hope this helps you.

[dansmommy]

I knew two kids who had severe weight gain on depakote. Something to watch for, but all these things are so individual. Christie

[ohmama]

Amsmom,
When did you have him take the blood test? Was it just once or should it be repeated every so often?

Is this what tells you about the liver (liver function levels)? Or is that a different test?

Did taking this med make him seem flat at all? Did he have any side effects from this?

Your input helps me. I guess I have been suffering from denial with him needing this. When he got home from school he was so crazy I laughed and whispered "Give me the Depakote".

Dansmommy,
I wouldn't mind if he gained a few pounds he is very thin. Thanks, I'll be watching the diet.

[Amsmom]

Ohmama,
We now do the liver function levels approx every 6 months, but i think in the beginning maybe we did it quarterly. We had so many blood tests in the beginning to determine when he was at the therapuetic Depakote level, that I can't remember which tests were Depakote level and which were liver function. Yes, the liver function level is to ensure that the liver enzymes do not get too high. My son did not get flat at all. It has worked really well for him.

[Jorgy]

ohmomma, Depakote is a widely used med in kids for seizure disorders. I have given it to patience for 20 years. I haven't used it personally so good luck, Sue

[gabrielsmom]

Oh Mama:

I have no experience with depakote. I am just starting adderrall with my son, so I can't offer you any advise or information on medications but I wanted to let you know that I am here, that we are all here to help you through this.

Josh - the girl -

[ohmama]

Amsmom and Jorgy,
Does this sound reasonable to you .... The blood test would be taken once a year to determine the med level? This would be done for the first time after taking the Depakote for two weeks. ?? No mention of a test for the liver. No mention of getting a blood test before starting the med? Would this be advised?

This doctor also said the Trileptal could be stopped cold turkey, don't wean it slowly. It didn't sound right to me because when he started that med it was given slowly starting with 300mg for 10 days and gradually up to 900mg. so I called the pharmacist and was told to wean it.

Having a good doctor is everything. I don't think I have a good one. Or am I over reacting and finding fault because I don't like the thought of giving this med and don't like the doctor?

[hopeful]

Get a new doctor coz trust is everything! You have to feel comfortable communicating with him and having him listen to your questions and fears.

Our doc squeezed us in this afternoon coz he knew I was very concerned about the sudden change in my son. I have an appointment with him on Tuesday (that I can go to alone) to discuss how things are going. We both go back to him on the 2nd. I don't feel like these appointments are just an excuse to make money. He knows we're having a hard time and he wants to keep a close eye on things. When everything is ok, we just need to see him once a month or so.

Anyhow, we're lowering the Wellbutrin (titrating? sp?) and we lowered the gaba yesterday.

Wish me luck for this weekend. It's been a real rollercoaster so far!

[Jorgy]

ohmomma, go to the site www.medlineplus.com
do a search for Depakote. When that comes up click on Valproic Acid (generic name for depakote) This should give you the info you need. Yes there should be tests for the liver enzymes called either an hepatic function test or a completer test is a comprehensive metabotlic panel. Good luck, Sue

[ohmama]

Jorgy,
Thanks that is a great website. I'm going to insist on a blood and liver test before giving this med, or get a new doctor if he won't agree. If all he can do is write prescriptions he's worthless. I need someone who cares and will cover all the bases.

[Amsmom]

Ohmama,
Absolutely, a liver test is essential and should be ordered.

[Amsmom]

Hopeful,
As my son was recently put on Wellbutrin, can you please tell me the problems your son was having on it?
thanks

[hopeful]

Actually, I don't think it's from the Wellbutrin. We bumped up the WB because we added gabatril for anxiety and then the Wellbutrin wasn't as effective, so we increased it. I think he was on too high a dose, so we're slowing dropping the gabatril and lowering the Wellbutrin back to where it was. It took a really long time to be effective in the first place, at least 6 weeks.
The family is waking up so I best go make breakfast.

I'll try and answer any more questions you may have this afternoon.

Hopeful

[BBW4EVR1]

Oh Mama-

Our son has been on Depakote for over 4 years for Epilepsy. YOU MUST INSIST ON A BLOOD TEST TO CHECK FOR PROPER LIVER FUNCTION BEFORE THIS MEDICATION IS STARTED! Do not settle for anything less! A pre-blood test is critical!!!

What is the target dose your doc. wants your son at? Theraputic doses range from 50 to 100-anything higher than 100 can lead to severe toxcity--which include organ shut down, weight loss, insomnia, and a host of other major problems. Also, the blood tests AFTER starting on Depakote should be (not required) taken at what is referred to as the "trough." Depakote usually peaks after approximately 3-4 hours in the system. In order to assure an accurate reading, the test should be taken after this time period in order to determine what an actual reading is. If after the 3-4 hours, the level remains high (above 80), the dose of Depakote may need to be adjusted down as this would mean that at peak absorption-the Depakote level could be in the toxic range. Our target for our son is between 70 & 75 at his trough. We have his level checked every month because of our past experience with a very inadequate Ped. Nero.

Our son became toxic-his level was up to 134!!! Do NOT be afraid to insist on blood levels being done! Change your doctor NOW!! We waited to long to go with our gut and it nearly cost our son his life!!

As far as the weight issue-I think weight loss is a side effect of Depakote-I may be wrong-but watch for that also!

I don't mean to scare you or anyone regarding Depakote-because our son is still on it. The Depakote is now working wonders for our son. But you must be informed in order for this med.-like any med.-to work for your son. Good Luck!