Posted by SLS on December 19, 2001, at 17:04:27
In reply to doc says no blood tests on Depakote?!, posted by ivoovi on December 18, 2001, at 20:49:36
> My doc said I don't need liver/blood tests when taking Depakote?!?! what should I do?!?! do I ACTUALLY need them?!?!?!
Hi.It is good practice to conduct blood tests when you first start taking Depakote to both measure its blood levels and screen for liver abnormalities. Measuring blood levels can help to determine what is the optimal dosage. In some people, Depakote can affect the liver detrimentally. One of the indications that this is happening is a change in the amount of certain liver enzymes in the blood. If someone is to react to Depakote in this way, it will most often occur during the first six months of treatment. It makes sense to go for blood tests once a month for the first six months, and once every six months thereafter.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:86621
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011213/msgs/87455.html