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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by charlie_girl on January 9, 2004, at 23:17:24
I've had seizures for the past 10 years and my doctor now has me on 3500mg of Depakote and 200 mg of Dilantin a day. I know the dosage amount is based on your weight but I only weigh about 140 pounds and my seizures only occur maybe once a month or so. Now that I'm on this high dosage of meds, I average maybe 3 hours of sleep a night, my hands shake uncontrollably, memory loss, hair loss, and nausea. I have taken all the other seizure meds and nothing else seems to work. Has anyone ever had this high of a dosage or any information that could be helpful to me. I would really appreciate it.
Posted by SLS on January 10, 2004, at 9:12:29
In reply to Side Effects to High Dosage of Depakote, posted by charlie_girl on January 9, 2004, at 23:17:24
With high dosages of Depakote, it is important to test for blood platelet activity, as it is often reduced. Of course, you should check for liver abnormalities from time to time, especially during the first 6 months.
- Scott
Posted by HappyGirl on January 10, 2004, at 14:37:00
In reply to Side Effects to High Dosage of Depakote, posted by charlie_girl on January 9, 2004, at 23:17:24
Hi:
I never seen/read THAT much *High* dosage of Depakote, I for being Bp. The standard dosage for Bipolar condition is 750 mg., not rxed\assessed by size/weight, but condition/symptoms for Bipolar. However your case is completely different from psycho-med. This med., Depakote is exclusively made for 'seizure,' then in a way I might guess the dosage you've been on.
However, you have many annoying 'side-effects' from the massive dosage of Depakote, ... (I've never been on Seizure problem nor any of my family members,) ... it's certainly some concern/worry on this regard. Besides 'liver test,' there are some other problem, such as 'Diabetes' and 'weight issues' because of mass-Depakote, I suggest you to get at least 'Second Opinion' from other neurologist who prescribes those 'seizure meds.'
Also, there might be some good 'Support Group' for seizure like you have, here Internet or local area. Just type 'Epilepsy/Seizure Support Group' in 'Search', ... you may find more reliable and educuational informations on regard to medications, symptoms and emotional rapport on those sites.
H.G.
Posted by Maxime on January 10, 2004, at 14:37:28
In reply to Side Effects to High Dosage of Depakote, posted by charlie_girl on January 9, 2004, at 23:17:24
I know that depakote can cause pancreatitis and shaking and nausea COULD BE early signs of that.I would talk to your doctor about this as soon as possible and get some blood work done.
I wish you luck ... can you let us know how you are doing and what your doctor says? I'm concerned about you.
Maxime
> I've had seizures for the past 10 years and my doctor now has me on 3500mg of Depakote and 200 mg of Dilantin a day. I know the dosage amount is based on your weight but I only weigh about 140 pounds and my seizures only occur maybe once a month or so. Now that I'm on this high dosage of meds, I average maybe 3 hours of sleep a night, my hands shake uncontrollably, memory loss, hair loss, and nausea. I have taken all the other seizure meds and nothing else seems to work. Has anyone ever had this high of a dosage or any information that could be helpful to me. I would really appreciate it.
Posted by charlie_girl on January 10, 2004, at 21:27:46
In reply to Re: Side Effects to High Dosage of Depakote, posted by Maxime on January 10, 2004, at 14:37:28
I knew depakote could cause liver damage but I wasn't aware about pancreatitis until recently. I have been taking this amount of dosage for about 8 years now and not once have the doctors checked for liver problems or pancreatitis. I just started seeing a new doctor so hopefully he will check for these problems. I have an appointment to see him on the 15th of January to talk about the results of an MRI and CAT scan so I will keep you informed.
> I know that depakote can cause pancreatitis and shaking and nausea COULD BE early signs of that.I would talk to your doctor about this as soon as possible and get some blood work done.
>
> I wish you luck ... can you let us know how you are doing and what your doctor says? I'm concerned about you.
>
> Maxime
>
>
Posted by charlie_girl on January 11, 2004, at 12:46:18
In reply to Re: Side Effects to High Dosage of Depakote, posted by SLS on January 10, 2004, at 9:12:29
Hi Scott:
I have taken this high dosage for the past 8 years and they have never checked my liver.
> With high dosages of Depakote, it is important to test for blood platelet activity, as it is often reduced. Of course, you should check for liver abnormalities from time to time, especially during the first 6 months.
>
>
> - Scott
This is the end of the thread.
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