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Post by katiekat on Jul 14, 2007 10:25:13 GMT -5
The Depakote seems to make no difference whatsoever. The dosage has been increased once already. I am having a hard time finding out what exactly this medication is supposed to do-what exactly it is supposed to help with. I have read different things about how long it takes to work-from 1/2 a week to one month. This past week has been extremely difficult. Once again Sean is out of control. We had a couple good weeks-I thought we were making progress. But no, it's back. We always try to figure out why the change in behavior-is it from going to his mothers, his grandparents etc? But I think maybe this is just what BP is about? Not sure. When you read about "mania" in adults it is not applicable to a child. Spending money,making big decisions regarding work or finances,being promiscuious. But I finally did find a list of symptoms for a child in the manic phase. Some of them are defiance,constant talking and daredevil behaviors. So I am thinking that outside factors are not to blame,this is just the bipolar. Some days I don't know how much I can take. I think I pinned too much hope on the medication. Last night I had a dream I left-for good and in the dream I was so sad to leave my h but also felt such a tremendous relief. It's been on my mind since I woke up. I try and keep things in which is a bad idea because then I explode and I think the bomb is about to go off. I guess I should let it out.
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Post by misty on Jul 14, 2007 10:32:18 GMT -5
Hmm...Everything I can find is about people taking Depakote for epilepsy! I did see where it says that it the kids taking it were able to sleep very soundly, but thats all...I'll keep looking & let you know if I find anything. I'm sorry you are having such a bad time, KK.  |
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Post by sim on Jul 14, 2007 10:38:10 GMT -5
I used to take depakot... its main use is for epilepsy and then used for clinical depression... you might want to try another medication
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Post by misty on Jul 14, 2007 10:54:58 GMT -5
Uses
* Depakote ER is indicated for the treatment of acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder, with or without psychotic features.
* Depakote is indicated for the treatment of manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder.
* Depakote and Depakote ER are indicated for the treatment of complex partial seizures, and simple and complex absence seizures in adults and children 10 years of age and older with epilepsy.
* Depakote and Depakote ER are indicated for the prevention of migraine headaches in adults.
The most common side effects reported in clinical trials for mania with Depakote ER were drowsiness, stomach upset following meals, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and abdominal pain.
Depakote can reduce manic symptoms, shorten hospitalization, help prevent future manic episodes, and make it possible for an individual to live productively in the community.
patients have been found to respond to the effects of Depakote after just ten days of treatment.
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Post by jj on Jul 14, 2007 11:32:36 GMT -5
Everything I read about it....in the end.... says it is used for the depressive state of bipolar although they say it is a "mood stabalizer" which kind of gives one the impression it should be taking care of the highs and the lows but I don't think that is the case.
You are so right KK, it is hard to find any answers as to what one should expect to see in improved behavior when a child is taking Depakote. But I'm still looking.
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Post by misty on Jul 14, 2007 11:48:40 GMT -5
I found something! Children and adolescents with certain severe disruptive behavior disorders that are marked by explosive temper caused by irritable mood swings demonstrated significant behavior improvement when treated with the anti-convulsant Depakote (divalproex), according to a preliminary study briefly reported in the May issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry researchers found that 80 percent or more of those receiving the medication responded positively and with improved behavior and responses. "These are kids who cannot control their behavior. This study suggests that a particular type of disruptive behavior -- characterized by explosive temper driven by irritable mood -- may have a biological component that responds positively to anti-convulsant medications.' www.faxsoftware.cn/faxsoftware-C3366R001.html |
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Post by misty on Jul 14, 2007 11:57:54 GMT -5
Heres more: Anti-epileptics Another class of medications which appear to help control the aggressive behaviors is the anti-epileptic. It appears that these medications help to stabilize brain activity and therefore assist in the control of behaviors. Each of these medications requires regular blood testing in order to insure that liver or bone marrow damage does not occur. Since these medications are designed to treat seizure activity, they are often prescribed for the Autistic who suffers a seizure disorder as well, and their use provides the additional benefit of behavioral effects as well. DEPAKOTE (Valproate) is the most common anti-epileptic used by physicians. It has the benefits of lessening explosive behaviors and aggression. Additionally, since many Autistic children suffer from seizure disorders it is considered to be one of the primary treatments for this condition as well. Most of the side effects such as a sedative effect and an upset stomach, do not pose severe problems. One side effect, however, must be very carefully monitored with blood tests. Research has shown that on rare occasions Depakote can cause liver damage. For this reason, close attention must be paid to the Depakote levels in the bloodstream and their effect on the liver. Another anti-epileptic having the same benefit as Depakote is TEGRETOL (Carbamazapine), which can cause a rash and can cause bone marrow problems. The use of this medication requires the need for regular blood work. www.autismcanada.org/psychomed.htm |
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Post by katiekat on Jul 14, 2007 13:14:10 GMT -5
Thanks for the info. In my search most talk about Depakote does refer to Epilepsy...but now I have an idea of what it supposed to help with. Our psych. appt. was cancelled this week due to a death in the Dr's family so we go on Wednesday. I am curious to hear what she has to say about if there should be some improvement yet. It is surely not helping with the "highs"
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Post by katiekat on Jul 15, 2007 22:15:08 GMT -5
Well tonight my h and I had a long discussion about Sean's behavior prompted by my anger I suppose. You all know I have been at my wit's end lately and last night and today pushed me just a little to far. Friday night Joseph slept over my stepdads and I went to pick him up last night. Well he begged to stay again,then flat out refused to come home and then he cried.(he never cries) When I asked him what the problem was he told me he hates being at home because he can't stand being around Sean. My stepdad overheard the whole thing and let Joe stay. He either sleeps there or at his friend's like 4 nights a week because he doesn't want to be here. That makes me feel bad. Then today Sean was just so rude and disrespectful. So I was mad and started the conversation about it all and how I am tired and the meds arent working and how taking care of Sean all day is like having a baby. While we're talking Sean is in the shower and starts screaming like he is being scalded with hot water so we run upstairs. Turns out he wasn't in the shower but instead was shoving paper cups down the toilet and then shoved the toilet bowl scrubber so far into the toilet that the whole handle was under water! Then he flushed the toilet and overflowed it. It took my h 20 minutes to get it out with some pliers. All I had to say to that was "See?As we speak" So now I guess an adult has to go to the bathroom with him. My husband feels really bad about Joe not wanting to be here and I feel bad about SOME of what I said but I had to get it out. Rotten day.  |
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Post by misty on Jul 15, 2007 22:30:13 GMT -5
KK, I'm not gonna tell you I know how you feel because I've never had to deal with what you are dealing with. I think its a good start that you are able to talk with your husband about it. You guys have to figure out something to help Sean.....not only for you & DH & Joe, but for him as well! I'm sure it doesn't feel very good to be so out of control all the time & always getting in trouble. I know you have him on a new med & if the Dr thinks the Depakote isn't working, I'm sure there's something else you can try, or maybe the dosage needs tweaked. meanwhile, I'll keep sending hugs & prayers your way!
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