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Depakote--How long does it take?

Fri, 07/29/2005 - 23:37

I will be starting my 8-year-old daughter on Depakote tomorrow (she was diagnosed with absence ep. Wednesday).  I was just wondering if anyone can tell me about how many days it takes for this drug to get into your system.  Her ped. neur. said "a few days," but I was hoping for a few specifics (2 days? 4? 10?...) 

Thanks so much!

Comments

RE: Depakote--How long does it take?

Submitted by k.shank on Sun, 2005-07-31 - 06:59

Hi,

My daughter is 9 years old and started on Depakote ER in March when she was diagnosed with JME.  Her neuro said that the dose normally is reached to the proper levels in 2-4 days.  She has had none of the bad side effects or another seizure since her first day taking it.  She takes hers at bedtime so that the medicine's peak level is in the am when she is more apt to have a seizure.  She has had a few episodes of vomiting 5-8 hours after taking the medicine but nothing else.  The company that makes the med told me that normally if levels are checked during the first 24 hours that the levels have been found to be effective if the dosage is correct with the childs weight.  I hope this helps answer with your question.

Kristy

Hi,

My daughter is 9 years old and started on Depakote ER in March when she was diagnosed with JME.  Her neuro said that the dose normally is reached to the proper levels in 2-4 days.  She has had none of the bad side effects or another seizure since her first day taking it.  She takes hers at bedtime so that the medicine's peak level is in the am when she is more apt to have a seizure.  She has had a few episodes of vomiting 5-8 hours after taking the medicine but nothing else.  The company that makes the med told me that normally if levels are checked during the first 24 hours that the levels have been found to be effective if the dosage is correct with the childs weight.  I hope this helps answer with your question.

Kristy

RE: RE: Depakote--How long does it take?

Submitted by mlisa73 on Sun, 2005-07-31 - 13:02

2-4 days definitely sounds good.  But since my daughter is doing a weekly gradual increase, we may not see it that soon.  I'd like to ask you the same question I just asked in a previous post.. have you noticed any behavioral improvements in your daughter since she's been taking Depakote?  I'm so much hoping for this med to take the place of her Ritalin.  And I haven't read anywhere of the characteristics of a child with ab. ep.  So, I'm afraid she may have both (and possibly have to continue Ritalin).  Thanks so much!

Melissa

2-4 days definitely sounds good.  But since my daughter is doing a weekly gradual increase, we may not see it that soon.  I'd like to ask you the same question I just asked in a previous post.. have you noticed any behavioral improvements in your daughter since she's been taking Depakote?  I'm so much hoping for this med to take the place of her Ritalin.  And I haven't read anywhere of the characteristics of a child with ab. ep.  So, I'm afraid she may have both (and possibly have to continue Ritalin).  Thanks so much!

Melissa

RE: Depakote--How long does it take?

Submitted by HarrisonsMom on Sun, 2005-07-31 - 07:56

My son is 10  and has generalized loss of consciousness and absense seizures.  He started on Depekote ER the end of May.  His neuro said it would take about 2 weeks for the medicine to take effect because we were slowly increasing his dosage until he reached 1000 mg a day.  I have read that if taken at full dose it should take effect in a few days, it depends how your Dr is prescribing it.  Best of luck to you and your child. 

Karen (Harrison's Mom)

My son is 10  and has generalized loss of consciousness and absense seizures.  He started on Depekote ER the end of May.  His neuro said it would take about 2 weeks for the medicine to take effect because we were slowly increasing his dosage until he reached 1000 mg a day.  I have read that if taken at full dose it should take effect in a few days, it depends how your Dr is prescribing it.  Best of luck to you and your child. 

Karen (Harrison's Mom)

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