Nicky began taking Depakote when he was four years old. Seems this medication, which I knew affected his behaviors, was masking manic behaviors we never knew existed, until now. After four weeks of no sleep my kiddo lives in a place beyond recognition, and I'm in a place I didn't expect to revisit. We've tried Abilify and nothing, so we're going back on Depakote. Please something work. I'm going to try WFGF again. Maybe that will help.
We've only tried Focalin and before that, Guanfacine. These are to help him focus during his therapy sessions. Does Depakote help with focus and concentration?
ReplyDeleteGreat question. It wasn't prescribed for that, but seems logical to me that if it's successful as a mood balancer, a more balanced kiddo would be better able to focus and concentrate. Just wish there was a drug that did not have so many side effects that could accomplish the same thing.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter Melanie who is 45 and is on Depakote changed to the generic when her prescription company would not cover the cost of the Depakote. Melanie is, by the way, autistic, has tourettes, dyspraxia and epilepsy. She had so many upsets (tantrums to others) that her life became miserable. I looked up the history of the testing of the generic and it showed that it took longer for the body to accept it and was not as effective. I searched and searched for a prescription company that still allowed medical/medicare patients to chose Depakote. After she went back on it, it helped right away. I agree with the old motto that says if it works don't fix it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Anonymous. I think we need to expand the conversation about med's long term, as so many families like myself are way behind you. Thanks so much for commenting.
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