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Hello, I Am Taking 60 Mg Geodon Twice A Day
Question: Hello, I am taking 60 mg geodon twice a day for schizoaffective disorder, 20 mg propranolol three times a day for tachycardia, 0.5 mg klonopin in the morning and 1 mg at night for anxiety, and 250 mg depakote in the morning and 500 mg at night for mood stabilization. The depakote really helps me with my anger and racing thoughts but my doctor said it has a 50/50 chance of causing liver damage and that the liver damage can be fatal. So how common is liver damage with depakote and do you think it is likely that I will get it and do you recommend that I continue it?
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Dear Soniya,
Thanks for using Ask A Doctor service.
First of all I like to inform you that your doctor is right in saying that Depakote causes elevation of liver enzymes as side effect. Although the chance is not 50% and it ranges from 5-20% for most individuals.
Having said this I like to share that elevation of liver enzymes (Liver damage) is dose dependent side effect and it is possible that you may not get it through out your life on the prescribed dose (750 mg per day). It is also important to note that the risk is less in compare to offered benefits by depakote.
In addition it is important to monitor the liver profile every three to six months. By this we can detect liver damage at very early stage and stop the medication to prevent further damage.
To conclude I feel that the depakote can be continued at the current dose with cautious approach which includes regular medical check up and review of liver enzymes every three to six months.
I hope this helps you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Dear Soniya,
Thanks for using Ask A Doctor service.
First of all I like to inform you that your doctor is right in saying that Depakote causes elevation of liver enzymes as side effect. Although the chance is not 50% and it ranges from 5-20% for most individuals.
Having said this I like to share that elevation of liver enzymes (Liver damage) is dose dependent side effect and it is possible that you may not get it through out your life on the prescribed dose (750 mg per day). It is also important to note that the risk is less in compare to offered benefits by depakote.
In addition it is important to monitor the liver profile every three to six months. By this we can detect liver damage at very early stage and stop the medication to prevent further damage.
To conclude I feel that the depakote can be continued at the current dose with cautious approach which includes regular medical check up and review of liver enzymes every three to six months.
I hope this helps you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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