Quote:
Originally Posted by cab0ad
My son (14) just started taking depakote for bipolar disorder. He has been taking 1000mg a day for a week now. before that he was taking 750 mg a week. We have noticed he wants to sleep a LOT. not because he's depressed. He just seems to fall asleep as if he cannot stay awake. He falls asleep in the middle of the day now all the time. Is that a temporary side effect? a sign that he is overdosed on the meds? Can anyone give me some of your experiences? When he's awake he seems much more at ease and less irritable on the depakote (with a few exceptions) but the constant sleeping is concerning to me. He is already pretty overweight (250) because of his issues and depakote supposedly makes you gain. I can imagine sleeping all the time would make it happen quickly! Is this only temporary?
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Hello, My name is Guy W. I am writing this to share that you have a very valid concern here. To be quiet Honest, The research of being put on Depakote is how I found this site. I to, like you wanted some answers about this Medication. My First concern here is, #1, You said your son is only 14yrs old. That in itself scares me. I have found, as you might allready know, out of all the meds out there, Depapkote is one that requires a constant monitoring,as it may build up in ones system, and become toxic. It as I was told can help balance ones life, and stabalize you. But, the big question is, at what cost? Do you, as a parent think that the rewards of this medication are worth robbing him of his life ? If it makes him sleep that much, I would deffinately think about shareing this with his doctor. There are so many meds out there now that do not offer the same side effects. I am so glad to hear that you, as a parent have a genuine concern for his welbeing. I know this might not offer you a lot of answers, but, hopefully, You can gain some comfort knowing you are right in careing. I would love to share more, but I find myself asking myself questions as I write. I am sorry for that. PLease feel free to contact me here at PC if you have any other idea's,or learn of any new possibilitys. I would love to hear more about this. I hope as you read this, you are finding out even more from others, and gaining some support. I look forward to hearing from you. As I allways say, Have a most wonderfull day. Sincerely, Mr. Guy W.
