What should be monitored when taking Depakote?
Monitor Depakote levels, liver function tests, and CBC with diff every 3-6 months.
Does Depakote need lab monitoring?
Depakote levels are routinely checked with blood tests to make sure you have neither too little nor too much in your system. Too little will render it ineffective while too much may be toxic.
What happens when Depakote levels are too high?
Never take too much Depakote or stop suddenly without your doctor’s advice. Symptoms of overdosage of Depakote include changes in consciousness, fainting, and slow or irregular heartbeat.
When do you monitor Depakote levels?
In general, when taking divalproex-ER once daily in the morning, a blood sample collected at 21-24 h after OD dose of ER preparation is expected to have a concentration within 3% of the trough value.
When is a Depakote trough tested?
Trough sampling is easily achieved just before a morning daily dose, but the best time to sample after an evening daily dose is unclear, because collecting a blood sample 21 to 24 hours later may be limited by the operational hours of the laboratory.
Can Depakote cause anger issues?
Divalproex sodium may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. If you notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor right away.
Does Depakote make your hair fall out?
Depakote. Depakote (divalproex sodium, sodium valproate, and valproic acid) is an anticonvulsant medication that can be prescribed as a mood stabilizer to treat bipolar disorder. Common side effects include tremors, weight gain, and stomach upset, but in some cases, it may also be associated with hair loss.
What is the toxic level for Depakote?
Its action is similar to that of other common anticonvulsants, such as phenytoin and carbamazepine. The therapeutic range for valproic acid is 50-100 mcg/mL. The toxic level is >100 mcg/mL.
What should I avoid when taking Depakote?
liver disease;
What are the nursing implications of Depakote?
Nursing Implications. Assessment & Drug Effects. Continuously monitor vital signs and symptoms during IV infusion and for an hour afterward. Watch for respiratory depression. Constant observation and a cardiac monitor are necessary with older adults or patients with cardiac disease. Margin between toxic and therapeutic IV doses is relatively small.
Is it safe to take Depakote?
Depakote should be avoided by people who have brain disease or damage, kidney disease, liver disease, any unusual allergy to Depakote ingredients, low blood protein, low blood pressure, and blood disease. Depakote is very effective in controlling seizures, but its interactions with some medications can be severe and life threatening.
What if I suddenly stop taking Depakote?
tremors