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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Janelle on April 29, 2003, at 13:12:00
How often should one have blood level tests for Lithium and Depakote? My pdoc is very *casual* about this and I only get them every few MONTHS.
However, I should add that I'm on low doses of each (250 mg/night Depakote, 450 mg/night Lithium Carbonate)
HELP! Thanks.
Posted by linkadge on April 29, 2003, at 13:39:10
In reply to How OFTEN should one have Lithium, Depakote tests?, posted by Janelle on April 29, 2003, at 13:12:00
Probably not that often.
Usually, the tests are performed at
the starting of treatment to find
a theraputic and cosntant level,
once this has been achieved, the
tests need only be performed once
every six months or so.The tests are mainly performed to
prevent toxisity of the two. So,
being on a lower dose, you may not
need them as often.Linkadge
Posted by Janelle on April 29, 2003, at 14:53:42
In reply to Re: How OFTEN should one have Lithium, Depakote tests?, posted by linkadge on April 29, 2003, at 13:39:10
Thanks. I've already had a few *starting level* type tests and I'm just below the low end of the range for each of these meds, which the pdoc expected since I'm not on what would be considered a therapeutic dose of either one.
I guess I can have the tests done less frequently than if I were on higher doses.
Posted by linkadge on April 29, 2003, at 21:08:40
In reply to Re: How OFTEN should one have Lithium, Depakote tests? » linkadge, posted by Janelle on April 29, 2003, at 14:53:42
Definately,
if its low then it should be at a safe level,
in which case you can operate based on what works.Linkadge
Posted by Ritch on April 29, 2003, at 23:38:29
In reply to How OFTEN should one have Lithium, Depakote tests?, posted by Janelle on April 29, 2003, at 13:12:00
> How often should one have blood level tests for Lithium and Depakote? My pdoc is very *casual* about this and I only get them every few MONTHS.
>
> However, I should add that I'm on low doses of each (250 mg/night Depakote, 450 mg/night Lithium Carbonate)
>
> HELP! Thanks.The only times I ever had serum levels done of lithium was when I was taking higher doses than what you are taking. Most likely, your pdoc will want "routine" levels every six months to a year just for records. I've never been anywhere near toxic on lithium blood draws over the years. There was one time where I was taking 1500mg/day and I think my blood level was around 1.0 mEQ. Lithium dosages of 600mg/day yielded serum levels somewhere between .3-.5mEQ from what I remember. Depakote-wise I don't think I ever had more than two blood pulls. The highest I ever saw was around .30mg/mL taking 500mg/day. That is barely at the bottom of the "therapeutic range" from what I understand. Taking 250mg/day I think I drew an "18" on a Depakote draw (I think that would be .18mg/mL).
Posted by judy1 on May 1, 2003, at 12:59:32
In reply to How OFTEN should one have Lithium, Depakote tests?, posted by Janelle on April 29, 2003, at 13:12:00
I would think at those doses maybe every 6 months- more to test your liver function than actual levels (which should be extremely low). I was at 1500mg depakote (I forget the lithium level), but that was for manic episodes, and I was tested daily (around 80-90u for the depakote) until the episode subsided and I could taper off. take care-judy
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