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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by BlueJay Bird on April 10, 2002, at 0:01:04
searched but could not find dose range for Depakote(ER) used as a mood stabilizer/for mood cycling ... all i found was for Depakote as an anti-convulsant
any info greatly appreciated ... thank you
Posted by amber_spirit on April 10, 2002, at 10:52:58
In reply to Dose range for Depakote(ER)??, posted by BlueJay Bird on April 10, 2002, at 0:01:04
I found two descriptions. Hope these help...
1) http://www.healthsqr.com/newrx/dep1125.htm
starting dose for bipolar:
750 mg/day divided
2) Diagnosis & Treatment of Brain Chemical Imbalance by Martin Jensen, p.343
starting dose:
250mg, 2-3 x/day
Depakote ER: 500mg, 1-2 per day
max dose per day:
60mg/kg
Posted by Spongemomsquarepants on April 11, 2002, at 23:43:17
In reply to Dose range for Depakote(ER)??, posted by BlueJay Bird on April 10, 2002, at 0:01:04
Hi,
You need to get blood levels drawn. I think therapeudic levels are 50-125. However, my experience is soley with my son who has epilepsy, and he takes this an an anti-convulsant. He does do better above the therapeudic range, but his platlet levels can get dangerously low due to Depacote. We have to watch thos closely. It can also affect your liver functions.
I would suggest routine blood testing and starting out slowly.
I hope it helps you.
Viki
Posted by ST on April 13, 2002, at 18:58:34
In reply to Re: Dose range for Depakote(ER)??, posted by Spongemomsquarepants on April 11, 2002, at 23:43:17
Hi,
Usually a doctor will start you at 250 - 500 mg. You could go up pretty high (2,000?) or stay low (250) depending on what the "therapeutic level" is for you. When you get blood levels taken, suuposedly your Depkote level should read around 100. Mine falls around 30, yet the dose I'm on really does work well for me. I'm on 500 mg. a day (for bipolar II with mostly depressive tendencies). So there's a lot of gray area. But I do feel, in general, that pdocs like to overmedicate with the mood stabilizers-especially at first. So just be super aware of how you respond to the Depakote and if you feel you need more or less, speak up. I was on way more than I needed to be for years and felt really numb.
Good luck,
Sarah
Posted by BlueJay Bird on April 14, 2002, at 2:47:02
What should one's blood level range be for Depakote(ER)? I can only find info on it as anti-convulsant, not mood stabilizer. Thanks.
Posted by TSA West on April 14, 2002, at 5:34:16
In reply to Revised - what is Depakote(ER) blood level range?, posted by BlueJay Bird on April 14, 2002, at 2:47:02
http://www.leeheymd.com/charts/dep4_1.pdf
http://www.uic.edu/pharmacy/services/di/depakote.htm
--Service with a smile: TSA West--
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