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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by abitscared on April 19, 2005, at 4:33:59
If not, how slowly should I taper off?
Thanks in advance!
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
Posted by Ritch on April 19, 2005, at 12:07:55
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!When I was taking 500mg/day of Depakote, a neurologist switched me to another drug and I was told to drop it in half for three days, then halve it again for another three then stop. I don't know whether dropping more than 500mg/day off the dose at a time would be wise or not.
Posted by chili on April 25, 2005, at 15:16:55
In reply to Re: Can Depakote (2250 mg/day) be quit cold turkey? » abitscared, posted by Ritch on April 19, 2005, at 12:07:55
> > If not, how slowly should I taper off?
> >
> > Thanks in advance!
>
> When I was taking 500mg/day of Depakote, a neurologist switched me to another drug and I was told to drop it in half for three days, then halve it again for another three then stop. I don't know whether dropping more than 500mg/day off the dose at a time would be wise or not.i take 2000milligrams each night for six years now a couple of years ago, i got it in my head i wasnt depressed anymore, ha, i quit cold turkey and at the end of two weeks i couldnt get out of bed, my brain would not allow me, i was bottomed out so severely, i thought i was dying, i recommend not doing this for your mental health, please see your doctor.
This is the end of the thread.
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