Quote: From what I know about Depakote, the initial dose is 3 pills (750mg), and then upped as fast and as strong untill the 'desired effect' is reached. Whatever that desired effect is. It's not uncommon for people to be on 2000mg or even as high as 4000mg. But those would truly be seriosu cases I guess.
then again, in one of the few talks we had about the issue, she argued how her 'depakote blood level' (which is determined by how much medicine pickup the person has) was 'optimal'. (She metnioned some 70ul or 'some' term liek that). Well, from what I know, there is no absolute 'optimum'. First of all, this is not an absolute science, not at all.
It's not a matter of higher dosage = more serious case. It's a matter of the variation of metabolization of Depakote impacted by an individual's liver enzymes. 1000mg is the most common lowest dose. Blood levels are measured as the prescription is ramped up and it can take days before therapeutic levels are accrued in the system. The desired effect is to get those therapeutic levels reached and sustained. With the ultimate goal being a cessation, or at least some control over the symptoms for which the Depakote is being prescribed.
Depakote is prescribed for serious disorders, most commonly epilepsy and bi-polar disease. So, we're probably looking at some serious repercussions if the dosage drops below therapeutic levels. I can see where she would be hesitant to drop it if she feels her symptoms are currently being kept at bay. But most p-docs will gladly work with the patient on adjusting dosage or working in other drugs that might have fewer side effects for her.
I would hesitate to push in on your wife's medical automony if she is resistant. However, I wouldn't hesitate to contact her doctor and express your concerns over the symptoms that are causing you concern, especially if your wife isn't open to hearing you.
Sleepiness might be an unwanted side effect, but there are much worse.
