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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Prescribed Generic Depakote For Bipolar, Having Severe Nightmares. Medicine Dosage Reduced. Advice?

my 21 year old son was just prescribed 1000 mg of generic Depakote, he has been having severe nightmares he was prescribed this med for bipolar/mania he has complained of increased paranoia since taken this med he has been on it for 10 days we were unable to speak with his health care provider but spoke to a pharmacist and was told that the dos
age seems quite high to start with and recommended dropping to 500mg tonight to see how it goes. What is your take or recommendation?
Mon, 4 Nov 2013
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello
Welcome to HCM

Depakote is sodium valproate and this is a good medicine for bipolar disorders and in controlling mood excitements. Usually this is a safe drug but minor side effects like nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sleep abnormalities etc can be observed. To prevent these side effects gradual dose escalation is done. He was started with 1000 mg and this may be the reason of his side effects of night mares. I would advise you to decrease the dose and consult his psychiatrist for better treatment.

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Prescribed Generic Depakote For Bipolar, Having Severe Nightmares. Medicine Dosage Reduced. Advice?

Hello Welcome to HCM Depakote is sodium valproate and this is a good medicine for bipolar disorders and in controlling mood excitements. Usually this is a safe drug but minor side effects like nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sleep abnormalities etc can be observed. To prevent these side effects gradual dose escalation is done. He was started with 1000 mg and this may be the reason of his side effects of night mares. I would advise you to decrease the dose and consult his psychiatrist for better treatment. Thanks