Posted by judy1 on October 17, 2002, at 18:12:30
In reply to Questions about Depakote (Epival), posted by MJC on October 17, 2002, at 12:12:14
I agree with Melinda's comments- but just to add my own- after about 1-2 weeks your dr. should request a blood level test. If it is too high, you may be able to decrease your dose and find the sedation less of a problem. May I ask what dose you are taking? When manic, I have to have blood levels in the 100 range (sorry, I forgot the units) which requires 1500mg/day- but that is for a psychotic manic episode. If you only have hypomanic episodes (bipolar 2), then 60-70 is an effective level and depending on your size and/or metabolism is usually achieved at 750mg/day. You should always be monitored to check your liver in addition to your blood levels. Best of luck, judy
poster:judy1
thread:124012
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021012/msgs/124051.html