Does anyone know if your depakote level can drop below the therapeutic level, even if you have been taking your prescribed dose? My son has been admitted to the hospital for inpatient therapy. I was shocked at the results of the depakote levels,(they were not in the therapeutic level) since I watched him take his meds in the evening. Or so I thought. I'm just trying to figure this out after an evening of no sleep and a suicidal teen. Who is in a safe place tonight.

Thanks for any responses! Amos

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[This message has been edited by chrysanthemum (edited 01-09-2003).]

Hello Amos,
So sorry to hear about your son, and the concern that you're having to deal with.

Wish I could be of some help to you but I am not qualified. Chrys is very knowledeable - so I'll leave it at that.

Hope to hear good news from you soon,
Bev

Hi Amos,

Sounds like a very rough night, I'm so sorry!

I was on Depakote for a while, but I don't remember for sure if different foods you ate could affect your bloodlevels.... I know that is the case with Lithium, although Lithium & Depakote are not really related. Just something to consider.

Hope all is well with you and your son shortly.
Best wishes,
StarCat

Thanks for the replies. I'm the mom.......amos is an old pets name. We (my husband and I) meet with our psychologist tomorrow and our son gets out of the hospital on Thursday. They upped his dose of depakote to 1000 mg and started him on celexa yesterday. He also takes seroquel. I have so many questions about bp II that I can't think straight. My husband is still in a state of denial over this, but we're working on it. I will do anything to help my son get the help he needs. This board is very educational and informative. I have compassion and empathy for people in emotional pain. I have dealt with depression/anxiety myself, which were eventually treated successfully. My problems were nothing like being bp. Thanks again, I'll be back!

Well, Ms Amos, LOL Just kidding! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/tongue.gif

So happy to hear that things are looking up a little.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Best Wishes,
lepi

We picked up my son today from the treatment center. Besides depakote & seroquel he has started celexa. I can tell the difference already. The hospital was a good experience for him and he had time to enjoy no stress what so ever. I want to be able to catch the signs of him going down hill and for him to recognize them too, before it comes to the point of total despair and hurting himself. I don't know what is going on in his head, but when he came home the night I took him to the hospital, I could see the pain and torment in his face. Is bpII more depression than mania? thanks all you people out there!

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[This message has been edited by chrysanthemum (edited 01-09-2003).]