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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 19 of 19. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by ivoovi on December 11, 2001, at 21:16:28
Hi, I've read as many posts as my mind can absorb...and I've read on and on......Depakote sounds pretty harmful to the body. How harmful is it ACTUALLY? I mean, all the posts describe possible side-effects, but how harmful is it, overall? Immune, Blood, Liver, Kidney, Pancries.....
I'm only 18...I don't want to be dead by the time I'm 20!!!
Posted by Krazy Kat on December 12, 2001, at 16:09:26
In reply to How harmful are the effects of Depakote?, posted by ivoovi on December 11, 2001, at 21:16:28
I've taken 1000 mg of Depakote for about three months now. Here is my experience:
Lab Tests: These are essential. My liver has been just fine, my white blood cell count was down very, very slightly, but that could be lots of things. My Depakote level is actually quite low for 1000 mg, but on 1500 mg, I was starting to feel dull.
Note that most major side effects of Depakote were in children under 2 - I'll see if I can find that actual reference.
More "minor" side effects: Hair loss - my hair changed in texture a little, I think, but I could be wrong. I have gained about 7 pounds. My hands tremor slightly.
I have had no cognitive trouble on Depakote. Depakote probably kept me from going into the hospital - it works very quickly.
I also take 40 mg of PRozac and Neurontin throughout the day.
Remember, Depakote has been around longer than newer AC's, therefore there is a safety factor in that. Also, my pdoc felt it was far less toxic than Lithium.
If it really scares you, I would suggest trying Lamictal or Topamax first, though Topamax had more side effects for me than Depakote.
Again, one of the best things for me with Depakote was how quickly I felt a respone.
Good Luck!!
- K.
Posted by Rakken on December 12, 2001, at 17:45:31
In reply to Re: How harmful are the effects of Depakote?, posted by Krazy Kat on December 12, 2001, at 16:09:26
My pdoc told me Depakote was pretty gentle. She said that it was used on children with no problems and that if there was one med that I could take for the rest of my life it'd be Depakote (I'm 18). Unfortunately it didn't work with me. I was on 1000 mg and it didn't help the anxiety. It also kept me up a little at night.
Posted by ivoovi on December 12, 2001, at 18:46:50
In reply to Re: How harmful are the effects of Depakote?, posted by Rakken on December 12, 2001, at 17:45:31
OK, Thank you for your input. I'm just worried I'm putting this toxic substance into my body which is causing horrible damage...which makes me feel like more of a drug addict than I already am....granted, all the drugs I take are perscribed...but still!!....I mean one of it's metabolites IS hepatoxic or whatever....but I will keep taking it...and hopefully I will be better. It's just that the pills are SO damn ugly (at least the 500mg ones are). Thanks again!
-Chris
Posted by Mitch on December 13, 2001, at 0:07:41
In reply to How harmful are the effects of Depakote?, posted by ivoovi on December 11, 2001, at 21:16:28
> Hi, I've read as many posts as my mind can absorb...and I've read on and on......Depakote sounds pretty harmful to the body. How harmful is it ACTUALLY? I mean, all the posts describe possible side-effects, but how harmful is it, overall? Immune, Blood, Liver, Kidney, Pancries.....
> I'm only 18...I don't want to be dead by the time I'm 20!!!Ivoovi,
FWIW, Depakote was a welcome medication (in the '70's) when it was introduced as an alternative for people with epilepsy who were stuck on lifetime high-doses of *much* older meds (phenytoin, primidone, phenobarbitol, etc.) that *did* commonly cause a lot of nastier longer term side-effects including liver/blood disorders. The real risk with Depakote seems to be with use in pediatrics. The real trouble with Dep. in adults is usually annoying weight gain/possible hair loss, not catastrophic stuff.
Mitch
Posted by Krazy Kat on December 13, 2001, at 7:57:19
In reply to Re: How harmful are the effects of Depakote?, posted by ivoovi on December 12, 2001, at 18:46:50
Chris:
Do make sure you get your lab tests done. That will make you feel better, too.
- K.
Posted by dreamer on December 13, 2001, at 11:47:12
In reply to Re: How harmful are the effects of Depakote?, posted by Krazy Kat on December 12, 2001, at 16:09:26
. My hands tremor slightly.
Just curious.....does this go away with time?
I need steady hands for what I do .dreamer~rebel stabiliser free , but for how long..
Posted by Mitch on December 13, 2001, at 12:03:54
In reply to KRAZY K./anyone..the effects Depakote-hand tremor, posted by dreamer on December 13, 2001, at 11:47:12
> . My hands tremor slightly.
> Just curious.....does this go away with time?
> I need steady hands for what I do .
>
> dreamer~rebel stabiliser free , but for how long..I get that from Depakote too. It never went away for me-but I have heard others say that it did for them. There might be something that your pdoc could give you to settle the tremor.
Mitch
Posted by Krazy Kat on December 13, 2001, at 13:33:39
In reply to KRAZY K./anyone..the effects Depakote-hand tremor, posted by dreamer on December 13, 2001, at 11:47:12
> dreamer, dreamer...
I'm afraid my hands are still trembling slightly, BUT my pdoc said there was something you could take to counteract this. I'm not sure what it is... I'll try to remember to ask next time. Perhaps your Dr. would know.
I didn't realize you were taking Dep. How is it working?
- yours truly, Krazy
Posted by ivoovi on December 13, 2001, at 14:42:53
In reply to Re: KRAZY K./anyone..the effects Depakote-hand tremor » dreamer, posted by Krazy Kat on December 13, 2001, at 13:33:39
I think L-Acetyl-Carnitine (found at any health food store) stops the tremor. It's a supplment and the precursor to acetylcholine and some other stuff....
-Chris
Posted by wendy b. on December 13, 2001, at 14:50:17
In reply to Re: How harmful are the effects of Depakote? » ivoovi, posted by Krazy Kat on December 13, 2001, at 7:57:19
> Chris:
>
> Do make sure you get your lab tests done. That will make you feel better, too.
>
> - K.Hi Kelly,
Can you explain, in detail, what type of tests are done, like the blood draw. How much blood do they need? How often? Is it a pin prick, little tube thing, or an actual vein-thing? I'm very phobic about needles...usually get nauseous (sp?) and turn a nice shade of gray...
thanks for any info,
Wendy
Posted by susan C on December 13, 2001, at 15:26:31
In reply to Re: How harmful effects of Depakote? - lab tests » Krazy Kat, posted by wendy b. on December 13, 2001, at 14:50:17
hi W
All this stuff facinates me, so, be sure you are sitting down (my hub is like you)...the test is one 'tube' and has to have a special 'filter' at the top, because the regular blood test thingie would filter out the depakote...that is what i understand anyway.I also understand that the blood tests are necessary only at the beginning, while you are in the process of stablizing dose. Then, only occasionally.
Also, the level in the blood can be different for everyone...and do not necessarily relate to therapeudic levels for antiseizure effectiveness.
YMMV
mouse in the lab
Posted by Krazy Kat on December 13, 2001, at 18:44:49
In reply to Re: How harmful effects of Depakote? - lab tests » Krazy Kat, posted by wendy b. on December 13, 2001, at 14:50:17
Windy Wendy:
To add to Mouse's post:
It's a tube. Last time, the woman took three tubes worth and almost killed me. I don't say that to be discouraging - it's just that some lab techs are better than others. I'm not going back to her again.
If it's an easy draw, I do fine. Last time, I almost fainted, nausea, what you said. Ick.
I always pinch myself really hard while it's going on as a distraction. That sounds healthy. ;)
My tests have been White Blood Cell Count, Liver Enzymes, and Depakote level. Like Mouse said, I don't think the Dep. level matters - mine is low for taking 1000 MG, but it has helped me a great deal. Luckily my pdoc agrees since at 1500 mg I was flattened.
Since I seem to be at a stable dose, I have to have tests done again in a month, then three months, then every six months, I believe. I don't think the Depakote level changes, like Lithium does - I think they're just monitoring your liver and cell count.
Frankly having the tests has made me feel better, since they have been fine.
You get used to the blood draw after a few. But if it's particularly uncomfortable, your lab tech sucks.
Never watch it being done.
:)
- K.
Posted by dreamer on December 13, 2001, at 20:43:08
In reply to Re: KRAZY K./anyone..the effects Depakote-hand tremor » dreamer, posted by Krazy Kat on December 13, 2001, at 13:33:39
>
> I didn't realize you were taking Dep. How is it working?
>
> - yours truly, KrazyNah , still unstable , doc said he's giving me depakote but won't give it me yet. I know not why maybe he's enjoying my caberet I certainly brighten up his day.
In UK you need to be dangerous to get meds - costly - stoopid .
My mania isn't anger/irritable -yet.
Doc appointment Monday........I'll try to keep my hands to myself.
You know...maybe these feelings behaviour are ME-normal...WELL......mmmmmm silly moi NAH I forgot I get severe depressive episodes.dreamerx
Posted by dreamer on December 13, 2001, at 20:49:39
In reply to Re: How harmful effects of Depakote? - lab tests » wendy b., posted by Krazy Kat on December 13, 2001, at 18:44:49
> Never watch it being done.
I always watch doesn't bother me maybe I'm a junkie recarnate or sick , should of been a surgeon. Oh I forgot I am.
Dr.Eamer hypo-dermanic
redirect to psb...... nah xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Posted by ivoovi on December 18, 2001, at 20:49:36
In reply to Re: I must be sick, posted by dreamer on December 13, 2001, at 20:49:39
My doc said I don't need liver/blood tests when taking Depakote?!?! what should I do?!?! do I ACTUALLY need them?!?!?!
Posted by wendy b. on December 18, 2001, at 22:06:45
In reply to doc says no blood tests on Depakote?!, posted by ivoovi on December 18, 2001, at 20:49:36
> My doc said I don't need liver/blood tests when taking Depakote?!?! what should I do?!?! do I ACTUALLY need them?!?!?!
Hmmm... My pdoc says it's very important. Wonder what's up with that? Have you ever had any done yet?
Thanks KK and Dreamer for the comments on serum tests. So far, I'm still not on Depakote, maybe I will when I get totally sick of dosing all day on Neurontin, it's a pain. ("Hey! All the big kids are on Depakote or lith, whaaa, I want some too...!")
Wendy
Posted by susan C on December 19, 2001, at 13:47:31
In reply to doc says no blood tests on Depakote?!, posted by ivoovi on December 18, 2001, at 20:49:36
> My doc said I don't need liver/blood tests when taking Depakote?!?! what should I do?!?! do I ACTUALLY need them?!?!?!
Perhaps it is low dose?
(PS they look like horse pills but smell like cupcakes...)
Mouse pondering
Posted by SLS on December 19, 2001, at 17:04:27
In reply to doc says no blood tests on Depakote?!, posted by ivoovi on December 18, 2001, at 20:49:36
> My doc said I don't need liver/blood tests when taking Depakote?!?! what should I do?!?! do I ACTUALLY need them?!?!?!
Hi.It is good practice to conduct blood tests when you first start taking Depakote to both measure its blood levels and screen for liver abnormalities. Measuring blood levels can help to determine what is the optimal dosage. In some people, Depakote can affect the liver detrimentally. One of the indications that this is happening is a change in the amount of certain liver enzymes in the blood. If someone is to react to Depakote in this way, it will most often occur during the first six months of treatment. It makes sense to go for blood tests once a month for the first six months, and once every six months thereafter.
- Scott
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