We just found out that Jacob's Depakote levels were toxic. We went to the ER due to Jacob having chills during sleep, confusion, and lathargy. They told us to lower his afternoon dose right away to half (125mg), and to have his levels checked again in a week. We weaned him off of Phenobarbital two months ago, and noticed that he was having a lot of difficulties with word finding, reading, and writing. He would mix up words and letters and couldn't read books that he's been reading since he was 5 years old. The ER doctor told us that going off Phenobarbital can raise Depakote levels. We were never warned by our Neurologist of the risk. I wish he would have, then we could have had his levels checked sooner.

Now, I am worried that he will have long term side from this. I wanted to hear from anyone that may have any information on this matter. We will know if they need to lower his dose once again after they check his levels again. We are hoping that he can stop taking Depakote all together. It's caused him so much problems. He has trouble focusing, following directions, and is obsessive. He also is very moody and gets frustrated easily.

We are having a 48 hour EEG done this coming Monday. I hope that we find out something good because I don't think I can take any more bad news. We are also having a speech evaluation done along with the EEG.

We had to leave school early on his first day of 1st grade because he just could not focus or follow anything that the teacher was saying. It was heartbreaking to watch and be so helpless. We are waiting for them to meet with the school district to determine what is the best option for him in school. Hopefully, by then we will be off Depakote or on our way to. He was so excited to be going to school. When his teacher saw me breaking down and cry, she gave me a hug and told me that it was going to be okay. Her husband has also been diagnosed with Epilepsy this year. She would have been the perfect teacher for Jacob. She told me that she would love to have me back someday to help her out though.

I know this is long, but a lot has happened. I've been worried sick about school starting on top of everything else. It's sometimes hard to get responses back, but I hope that some of you will have some advice for me. Thanks!