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        New Message Board Archives >> Jul-Sep 2003 >> Got a ? about Depakote.........
        
(Message started by: Leesa on Sep 7^th, 2003, 10:07am)

Title: Got a ? about Depakote.........
Post by Leesa on Sep 7^th, 2003, 10:07am

Dave has been taking Depakote (delayed stuff) 250mg 2X a day since July this year. My question is can he take another tab if he has already taken the recommended dose?? He takes one in the morning before work and the other at about 10 pm. Tonight he took it at 6 pm and the beast came knockin. He had been having spikes of a CH all day. Not shadows. Actual CH's but on the KIP scale they never reached more then a 4 or 5. Is taking the Depakote at a different time what caused the Beast to show up?? The VA pharmacy is closed of course and nothing eles is open for me to call and find out besides they wont discuss meds unless your the person whos takin the meds. Any help would be of GREAT help to Dave and I both thanks for your time and input on this.
Scratchin head in wonder, Leesa

PS: I posted this on the meds board but got nothing so thats why it's here. Sorry yall but I need info ASAP

Title: Re: Got a ? about Depakote.........
Post by Prense on Sep 7^th, 2003, 10:14am

I wish I had some answers for you Leesa. I have never taken Depakote. I wouldn't think that a small time error in medicating would bring on an attack, but I am guessing only. I get attacked no matter what, and mine are quite unpredictable as long as I avoid my known triggers. Either way, you guys got some PF vibes comming at you!

Chris

Title: Re: Got a ? about Depakote.........
Post by forgetfulnot on Sep 7^th, 2003, 12:02pm

When my Doc. put me on it he started very low and said he could raise to twelve hundred mg if needed, I could not take the stuff so I never really found out. There should be some articles on the web that discuss doseage. Good luck

Here is one
http://www.depakote.com/dephome/dephome.htm

Lee (also on the meds board)

Title: Re: Got a ? about Depakote.........
Post by UnsolvedEquation on Sep 7^th, 2003, 2:01pm

You can take more than that. I rose to 1750 mg / day. Did nothing to stop the beast and will cause some side effects. You may have to get blood tests to regulate how much medicine is in your system at a high level. I would recommend taking your meds at the same time everyday if possible, but I doubt it caused the beast to show his ugly face. Goodluck !

Title: Re: Got a ? about Depakote.........
Post by Melissa on Sep 9^th, 2003, 8:23am

Hiya Leesa!

My neuro couldn't stress more about taking the Depakote at the same time every day. I had the same problem Dave had, when I ended up taking it at a different time. Make sure he takes it right on schedule! I found it DOES make a difference!

:)mel

Title: Re: Got a ? about Depakote.........
Post by Leesa on Sep 9^th, 2003, 9:34pm

Thanks yall for all the info. See once again this proves ya "gotta love Clusterville and those in it"
Making sure that Dave takes his meds like he's supposed to, Leesa ;D

Title: Re: Got a ? about Depakote.........
Post by Charlie on Sep 9^th, 2003, 10:19pm

I took Depakote for my seizures. It wasn't all that effective for me. I took up to 2500 eventually. This is one of those drugs that you have to slowly build up or taper off. They don't like to tell you but people lose some hair with this stuff. It also can make you lard out. I was very careful to eat all kinds of boring stuff and only gained 5 pounds. That's considered terrific for this drug.

It's a barrel of laughs but maybe it works. That would be enough for me. Topamax by the way could be a diet pill. I was told to make sure to eat enough. Too bad it made me insane.

Good luck kids.

Charlie

Title: Re: Got a ? about Depakote.........
Post by Leesa on Sep 10^th, 2003, 7:48am

When Dave started on this stuff I did my research on cuz the doc only told us about the weight gain and hair loss. Dave could use a little weight on him in my book, :P as for the hair loss its like I tell him "it's going to be solar panel for a sex machine" LMAO ;) Hes having success with the Depakote so far with only the "spikes" of CH here and there. Some days are worse then others of course. I have notes up all over the house to make sure he takes his meds at the same time everyday! As for the Topamax that one we have never tryed, and hes already in sane he gotta be if he's with me. ;) Thanks for all the info on this yall. I cant thanks nuff.