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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by med_empowered on May 5, 2008, at 8:37:48
I'm supposed to be taking Depakote, but I haven't been. I have to have my levels taken tomorrow and I"m afraid that if its obvious I haven't been taking it my doc may not treat me anymore. If I'm supposed to be taking 1,000mgs/day, how can I quickly boost my levels so a test tomorrow will make it seem like I've been taking my meds?
Posted by Quintal on May 5, 2008, at 12:04:32
In reply to help! How do I boost Depakote levels ASAP, posted by med_empowered on May 5, 2008, at 8:37:48
Maybe just take a 1000mg dose? I don't see how else you could get enough Depakote into your system to make it look like you've been taking 1000mg unless you actually take a 1000mg dose. If there's a reason you haven't been taking it, then it might be best to discuss this with you pdoc, although I know some of them expect you to take whatever they prescribe without question and don't listen to your concerns. You know your own partricular situation best.
Q
Posted by Phillipa on May 5, 2008, at 12:21:51
In reply to Re: help! How do I boost Depakote levels ASAP, posted by Quintal on May 5, 2008, at 12:04:32
Since it would build up in your system don't see how you could agree discuss with the pdoc. Well I'm one to talk as do it all the time not take meds but why didn't you take the depakote? Pot calling the kettle black. Phillipa
Posted by med_empowered on May 5, 2008, at 13:52:49
In reply to Re: help! How do I boost Depakote levels ASAP, posted by Quintal on May 5, 2008, at 12:04:32
I was going to tell my doc, but then I raised the issue of discontinuing the depakote and he's all "that's risky," I guess meaning its supposed to be keeping the crazy at bay (which is what the Abilify does, quite well). I just didn't see the point, so I stopped it...now apparently its a big freakin deal and I dont want my doc to drop me for non-compliance. This is so stupid. Once the blood test is done I'm not taking it anymore, anyway; why the depakote AND an antipsythotic? Thats one Hell of a combo.
Posted by bleauberry on May 5, 2008, at 18:57:09
In reply to help! How do I boost Depakote levels ASAP, posted by med_empowered on May 5, 2008, at 8:37:48
I don't know, it takes a few days to get a steady blood level built up. A single 1000mg dose does not automatically make a 1000mg reading in the blood. I don't know if a double dose might. That would be kind of risky anyway.
Best bet I can think of is to have some kind of emergency excuse to postpone the appointment, reschedule, and have some time to either think about it or to start the depakote a few days before the rescheduled appointment.
And of course, the option of pure honesty can give surprising results. You could be down to earth honest and say how depakote scared the heck out of you, you haven't found the courage to take it, you haven't needed it, and you apologize for it but abilify seems to be doing a lot by itself anyway.
This is the end of the thread.
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