Posted by Scott L. Schofield on March 7, 2000, at 22:35:00
In reply to Re: Tegretol, posted by dove on March 2, 2000, at 11:55:14
> I would have to agree with getting in to the p-doc sooner than three weeks! Tegretol is one tough med, and it should always be introduced slowly, and exceptionally slow when augmenting those other dosages of meds you were/are on. In reality, when Tegretol is initiated, you should be going in for blood tests, and receiving feedback on what those results are.
I'm not sure if the tests you are referring to are for determining the blood-levels of Tegretol or screening for agranulocytosis. It is imperative that blood tests are performed regularly when taking Tegretol (carbamazepine) to be sure that agranulocytosis has not begun. Agranulocytosis is a condition in which the body is no longer producing enough of a certain type of white blood cell.Depakote (valproate, valproic acid) must also be screened for potentially dangerous side effects. It can induce changes in liver function, even reaching the point of hepatic failure. It is a good idea to take a blood test before beginning Depakote in order to establish values of one's baseline liver enzymes, against which future tests can be compared. Blood tests should be performed once a month or so. From what I understand, if abnormalities are going to show up, they will usually appear within the first six months. Beyond this point, the statistical risk drops quickly. It is perhaps a good idea to have a blood test every six months to monitor both the level of drug and liver enzymes.
Another possible consequence of treatment with Depakote is the emergence of thrombocytopenia - a reduction in the number of blood platelets. Platelets are the little corks that help plug-up blood leaks (stop bleeding due to wounds and form scabs). You want to make sure you have plenty of corks on-hand. The occurrence and magnitude of thrombocytopenia is a function of dosage. One should be particularly cautious once levels exceed 1500 mg/day.
- Scott
poster:Scott L. Schofield
thread:25243
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000302/msgs/26319.html