Depakote, good or bad?

[ohmama]

BBW,
Our target dose is 375mg per day (250mg in the AM & 125mg in the PM).

To start I am to give 125mg in the AM & 125mg in the PM for 2 weeks (then it goes to the 375mg per day).

Now the doctor says to get the blood test for depakote levels, CBC, and a hepatic function level pannel after the target dose is reached, in 3 weeks. I asked the pharmacist if this was unusual and he said it was ok.

Should I insist on the liver test now before I start the Depakote?
Is it better to start the med on the weekend? Did you notice any side effects at first? What is serious and what is just a "getting use to it" to adjustment/reaction?

[BBW4EVR1]

Oh Mama-

Our son is on 250mg in the am and 125mg in the pm. His target Depakote level is between 70 & 80. Did your doc. explain to you about Depakote levels in the blood and how they measure them-what is theraputic-what is toxic, etc.? I would have a liver function test done before you start the Depakote. This can be used as a sort of "base line" to determine normal functions after being on the Depakote. The mg. of Depakote themselves are not what the level of Depakote is measured by in the blood system. While your target dose of Depakote may be 375mg. per day, it is important to determine where the theraputic Depakote level in the blood system is. This is what is critical to track. I would strongly encourage you to get a base line liver function test done prior to starting Depakote. After you start the Depakote, blood levels may need to be done as often as weekly until the correct Depakote level is stable in his system. After the correct level has been reached and stabelized, blood levels need only be done every 6 months. As far as side effects, weight loss was our biggest concern. Insomnia was another and severe agitation. I would suggest to watch for these and if they do occur and do not disapate or at least lessen in 2 - 3 weeks of being on his target dose it could be an area of concern. I am not a doctor-I can only share what I have learned over the course of the last several years and nearly losing our little guy to toxic levels of Depakote. You MUST do what you feel is right-NO MATTER WHAT YOUR DOCTOR SAYS--IF HE WON'T HONOR YOUR REQUESTS-CHANGE DOCTORS AS FAST AS YOU WOULD A BABY'S DIRTY DIAPER AND NEVER EVER LOOK BACK!!!

I don't know if this information will be helpful to you or just more confusing--I hope it is helpful. Trust your instincts-go with your gut-God Bless you for all you have done and don't ever give up. Just sort out all of the information you have been given and go from there!! Good Luck - Prayers to you!

[ohmama]

BBW,
All of this is news to me. I was not aware of what the level stuff was. I will call the Dr. in the morning and request the blood test be given prior to the depakote.

Thank you so much, everything you said made a lot of sense.

[hopeful]

Ohmama:

I was back to reading the book I told you about in the other post. It does let you know what tests are needed, and how often for each medication. Very interesting. I think I got the book at Barnes and Noble. Well worth it. Let me know if you can't find it.