Any experience with Depakote?

gampiano

Hello ,

Well, we are still trying to get DH on a regimen that has him sleeping through the night. He still takes seraquel, and his doseage has been doubled as of Sunday. This he seems to tolerate, and it does modify some of his erratic behaviors as of late. Last night i gave him melatonin, and it seemed to work, but not until i had upped it to 10mg. He was very restless and it took quite awhile before he settled down. Now the Hospice Doc has prescribed Depakote to take at night and again, a lesser dose in the morning. I've looked back to some earlier posts, but im not finding much input on this drug. They all have side effects, that's a given, but the goal here is sleep, and reduction in agitation. Any feedback would be helpful.

Thanks in advance , I really don't know what i would do without this group!

Maureen

M1

Definitely worth a try Maureen. It's a drug that can be used for seizures but that is also frequently used for bipolar disorder as well as in dementia. Hope it helps.

gampiano

M1, thank you!

Cherjer

My husband takes depakote sprinkles ( in capsule which I open and put in apple sauce/yougurt) and takes 500mg twice a day. He is on hospice (since mid Feb) and sleeps all night (I do give him melatonin, too but not sure that keeps him sleeping). I stopped all drugs for behavior at least a year ago as he would be more agitated! Please ask to get the sprinkles as the pills were big, and my husband refused to swallow them. Good luck. I have not observed any side affects.

gampiano

Cherjer,

Thank you for that ! I picked up the rx yesterday, and those pills are huge! I used a mortar and pestle to grind them up and out in applesauce. He is on 500mg at night, and 250 mg during the day. I added 10 mg of melatonin and put it in warm milk with honey. Last night he had a great sleep and is still sleeping at 7:am. He is also on Hospice, I will ask them about the capsules.

I wish you sleep, and some peace,

Maureen

toolbeltexpert

My dw was on depakote and it didn't help her and it caused her blood platelets to drop dangerously low. That is a side effect mostly in woman. It sounds like your having good luck.

Here's to a restful night for you both.

Stewart

Cherjer

Yes, you will be much happier with the sprinkles...just open the capsules and sprinkle in the apple sauce!! I am glad to hear your dh is getting sleep...and so are you!!