Posted by SLS on April 19, 2005, at 8:55:53
In reply to Can Depakote (2250 mg/day) be quit cold turkey?, posted by abitscared on April 19, 2005, at 4:33:59
> If not, how slowly should I taper off?
>
> Thanks in advance!Has your doctor offered a suggestion?
I can't seem to find anything definitive regarding a taper schedule for Depakote (valproate). One source suggested a reduction of 500mg per week, but this was directed toward a population of patients with seizure disorders. I would definitely not stop taking Depakote abruptly, though, as it could bring about a rebound seizure, even in otherwise healthy individuals.
For myself, I would probably try to extend the taper over a period of 2 weeks. I have taken as much as 3000mg, and did not have any problem discontinuing it this quickly. I don't recall what my doctor suggested at the time. This might be considered a bit conservative:
2000 x 3 days
1500 x 3 days
1000 x 3 days
750 x 2 days
500 x 2 days
250 x 2 days
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:486321
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050323/msgs/486356.html