Therapeutic Depakote Level & Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental condition affecting 5.7 million American adults, or 2.6 percent of the US population. One of the most used medications for bipolar disorder is depakote, or divalproex sodium. It is an anticonvulsant typically prescribed to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder and for maintenance therapy.

Dosage

• Depakote is available in 125, 250, and 500 mg tablets. It is also available in sprinkle form and slow release pills.

Dosage

• A physician will take frequent blood tests, probably twice weekly initially, to determine the therapeutic level. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, studies indicate that 50 to125 micrograms/mL provide the best response.

Factors

• A physician will usually begin dosing with smallest amount, and slowly raise the dosage, monitoring blood levels and watching for side effects. Dosage will be based on the patient's condition and response, as well as weight.

Maintenance

• Once a therapeutic level has been determined, fewer blood tests will be performed but regular ones will be needed as long as the patient receives depakote. Toxic levels in the liver are possible, so it's important to check regularly for this.

Warning

• Because it's important to keep the level of depakote consistent in the blood, the medication should be taken at the same time every day. A patient should never deviate from the prescribed level, by increasing or decreasing the amount of drug and must never abruptly stop taking the medicine. To abruptly stop or change the dosage risks serious side effects, including seizures.