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A lurker no more - Effects of Depakote

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Posted 10/6/2010 5:29 PM (GMT 0)
I was diagnosed Manic Depressive in 1985. Somewhere along the line, Bi Polar became my disorder name instead.

I want to relay something that happened to me on Depakote, the drug that had the best result for me, however I am unsure exactly when I began taking it.

I went into a coma twice and the third time a new doctor knew exactly what was wrong with me... my ammonia level was the highest he had ever seen, well over 300.

Since I had never heard of an ammonia level before thought I should mention it. It was the neurologists phys. assist that felt more Depakote would help my bipolar condition. When that didn't work, she added more. (1st coma). In the hospital the dr. could not figure out what was wrong with me, perhaps seizures I was told, so even more Depakote was added. By this time I was in a second coma. After I went home I was prescribed an even higher dosage of Depakote and was coherent enough to tell the ambulance drivers to take me to a different hospital. The new ER doctor and Neurologist quickly realized it was the Depakote that was causing the problem. After testing they discovered the extremely high ammonia level (from Depakote). In fact, my only claim to fame is the Neurologist telling me he could write a paper about this and have it published.

The result is I can never take Depakote again, even though it was the drug that helped me the most. Depakote and the liver simply do not get along (in layman's terms). I now am relying on Carbamazapene with very low doses of Serequel. As my Dr. says to me, Carbamazapene has a way of being chewed up by the liver so we are adjusting that level and adding Serequel to help when as needed.

I am beside myself because I frequently go between mania and depression, sometimes swinging a few times a day. I work closely with my doctor, we are closer to a place where I should be. Life is very difficult for me.

This is simply a warning about what happened to me on Depakote and and the elevated ammonia levels--which if too high can result in a coma. Please, be aware of this.
Posted 10/7/2010 12:09 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your response. I was a little shaky whether or not I should post this. I finally found a place to explain the horrors I went through.

No... I most certainly did not stay with the Neurologist. I had trusted her, too. I changed to the Neurologist who diagnosed what had happened to me.

I had never really had any side effects all those years I took the medication. It makes me sick that I cannot take it, none of my current dr's would ever go along with it.

I smell dinner about done. TY again.
Posted 10/7/2010 2:26 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you! I did not do well on Depakote, but nothing near what you went through!

I hope you get relief son!
Posted 10/7/2010 8:22 AM (GMT 0)
I didn't have a response to Depakote either, and had the dose increased again and again.
NEVER in a million years would have thought it could put you in a coma.
Just goes to show you that some doctors have blinders on. And you saw a PA who could increase a psych med like that. How odd

So sorry you are having trouble being medicated now. So peculiar that Depakote worked so well but nothing else is doing the trick.

Very informative post. Thank you

PS, The DSM changes the names on things, and Manic-Depressive has become BP. BP I, II, III, IV Senility is now Alzheimers. They're working on mental retardation, will be identified as a handicap in the future. Nicer sounding names, more accurate diagnostic description in the book. I always hated Manic Depressive, remember my mother having sayings about, someone is a maniac, drives like a maniac, etc. Don't want to be thought of that way by the public.

Post Edited (Trying to Understand) : 10/7/2010 2:25:43 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/7/2010 2:52 PM (GMT 0)

Thank you for sharing this and very glad to know that you are okay.

Hugs,

Mogs

Posted 10/7/2010 7:04 PM (GMT 0)
Ladyjane, I am glad you have found a space to speak about what you have been through, and glad you did even though you felt shakey.  I echo the others in saying what you shared is very valuable information.  What a scary experience that must have been.
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