![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Singapore on September 16, 2003, at 9:31:16
Hello Everyone,
My son was just diagnosed with BP, his doc put him on Depakote, 250mg 1st week, 500mg 2nd week, and now up to 750mg. I was told it has to get into your system in the beginning, then we will see what dose works for him. This was such a shock to me, in a way, I didn't think of all the questions I have now at the time. By my son's behavior's, I am not suprised that he has a chemical imbalance, but this does not run in mine or my husband's family. I have only one cousin who has a daughter with BP, so understanding it's usually genetic, this was kind of strange.
I bought 4 books on BP, trying to get a better understanding of it. The one I am reading now, is "An Unquiet Mind", so far so good. I just would appreciate any light any of you could shed on this for me. I have never felt so uneducated in my life. I just want to help him, if you tell me he needs his space, don't hover. Whatever, I just don't know. He isn't fighting me on taking meds for the most part, but the thought of him having to take meds forever is very disturbing to me. I'm glad we figured out what was going on, but I'm sad for him.
Anything any of you could clue me in on would be helpful. I know there is a risk of liver problems, or failure, but when I asked the doc about the side effects, he said "First lets talk about the side effects, if he doesn't take it". Scared me half to death.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and if you can tell me anything at all, it's very much appreciated.
Thank you,
Singapore
Posted by Daniel J. on September 16, 2003, at 10:16:26
In reply to 13yo son j/diagnosed w/BP...Depakote...help wanted, posted by Singapore on September 16, 2003, at 9:31:16
I have a 15 yr. old son who has had several diagnoses however the overall picture seems to be paranoid schizophrenia (not final as yet). I have not heard of Depakote but I am curious now and I will try to find out more about it. There are similarities in the treatment of BPs an Schizs. My son is on Zyprexa and is now on a 15 mg per day dose because he was "breaking through". When psychotic or psychomotor symptoms are visible then the meds have not taken full effect or dosage needs to be increased. My son walks out into the world when he is "breaking through". We have called police a few times to get him under control. He is in a crisis center now being "stabilized". I can say this much, a few years ago
there was not much hope for cases like this. There
are many meds available now to help with "stabilization" after these take effect their lives can slowly return to normal.
You can monitor pacing (psychomotor) in the afternoons. If it increases notify your Psy Dr. Also watch for "Laugh attacks" they are another sign of "med breakthrough" when the mood swings begin to go out of control. We both feel sad for our children and we love them very much so it is a
difficult time. There is hope and possibility for
a cautious return to normalcy. The meds must be taken! Seek a local support group and find a good therapist. I wish you well.
Regards Dan
Posted by Daniel J. on September 16, 2003, at 12:39:28
In reply to Re: 13yo son j/diagnosed w/BP...Depakote...help wa, posted by Daniel J. on September 16, 2003, at 10:16:26
http://www.docguide.com/news/content.nsf/news/8525697700573E1885256C91005BBCBE
Thought this link might be helpful info on Depakote,Zyprexa etc. Dan
Posted by sadmom on September 16, 2003, at 13:16:22
In reply to 13yo son j/diagnosed w/BP...Depakote...help wanted, posted by Singapore on September 16, 2003, at 9:31:16
I have 3 children with varying degrees of bipolar disorder.
This website is a good starting place and I recommend you join a bpparent mailing list to gain info and emotional support.
Posted by sarita0001 on September 16, 2003, at 15:28:02
In reply to 13yo son j/diagnosed w/BP...Depakote...help wanted, posted by Singapore on September 16, 2003, at 9:31:16
Dear Singapore,
I was diagnosed BP when I was 17. It is 7 years later now and many times if I could go back in time I wish I had known more.
One thing that is a good idea is talk therapy. I prefer social workers(have tried a psychologist) because they tend to look at the person's overall environment, stressors, family system, etc. And they are cheaper for some reason- but it has nothing to do with quality. If your son is open to it, then it can only help. Family therapy is also extremely helpful because,if successful, it can help the person feel supported and not ostracized because of a new diagnosis. It can also help the family learn about the illness and everyone's feelings towards it.
Your concerns about side effects should not be dismissed by the doctor the way he did or by his instilling fear about non-compliance. There are other options and if this doctor is not willing to help you with that find another one.
The most important thing to do is talk to your son often and see how he is doing. He will probably be resistant mostly because he is dealing with this and he is a teenager. But be persistent, you'll hopefully be able to find a balance. A good thing to say if he doesn't want to talk is "I'm here if you want to talk later." Do your best to let him feel like he is a person and not this kid who has just been labeled "bipolar". I know it is hard and I am talking from a different point of view, but I know what I know because of my family's reaction to it.
I'll be happy to answer any other questions you have. I know it is hard for all involved but communication and support are essential. And if you feel the diagnosis may be wrong, get a second opinion. IT TAKES TIME.
Sara
Posted by Singapore on September 16, 2003, at 20:21:43
In reply to Re: 13yo son j/diagnosed w/BP...Depakote...help wanted, posted by sarita0001 on September 16, 2003, at 15:28:02
Thank you all who replied to my message...I will take all of your advice into account. The doc that diagnosed my son sent us for a second opinion before he told me his. He has been our children's Dr. for about 9 years, and he is not one to prescribe drugs if they can be avoided. I trust him completely to be honest with you, he really does care.
I guess what I was wondering is if he is in a manic mood, is it better to give him space or stick to him like glue? And the same with depression, space, or glue? I want him to know I am here for him, and I tell him often, but he says he does not want to talk about it, he is tired of talking about it, and he doesn't really care if he is bipolar or not. So, I try to explain to him why he needs to care, and I feel like I am beating my head against a wall.
Thanks again,
Singapore
Posted by Sebastian on September 16, 2003, at 21:35:50
In reply to 13yo son j/diagnosed w/BP...Depakote...help wanted, posted by Singapore on September 16, 2003, at 9:31:16
I took Depakote for a year. It is a very tire you out med. You almost don't feel with it. Effective though. I didn't take it for BP, but my ant does, she says it works good. Its calming for people with too much energy. Curently I'm taking zyprexa (not for BP, but could be used) which I find much nicer than depakote, I found side-effects stronger with the depakote; just a second option. One thing about depakote it can make you eat, which may or may not be a bad thing, zyprexa can do the same but I have it under control now.
Sebastian
Posted by Sebastian on September 16, 2003, at 21:38:20
In reply to Re: 13yo son j/diagnosed w/BP...Depakote...help wanted, posted by Singapore on September 16, 2003, at 20:21:43
Could depend on his state, one or the other. Probably a mix would work best.
Posted by KimberlyDi on September 17, 2003, at 9:01:14
In reply to Re: 13yo son j/diagnosed w/BP...Depakote...help wanted, posted by Singapore on September 16, 2003, at 20:21:43
I'm not BP, nor is my son (he's ADHD and so am I). I have been reading up ALOT on everything though. One thing I've noticed is that some Bi-Polars enjoy their manic moods. And I guess, why not? Body seems to be producing it's own natural speed. Hard to keep in mind that each High will be followed by a Crash.
In my un-expert opinion, I would think that you should only stick to him like super glue if his manic moods are having negative consequences. I take that back. I really have no clue and hope that someone who has experience can tell you.
Good luck. I think I shall consider myself lucky that my son had ADHD.
KDi in Texas
Posted by bookgurl99 on September 21, 2003, at 17:44:02
In reply to 13yo son j/diagnosed w/BP...Depakote...help wanted, posted by Singapore on September 16, 2003, at 9:31:16
hey singapore,
i've been on depakote for a couple of days for migraine disorder. (migraine disorder has sometimes been linked to bipolar disorder as well as epilepsy -- all 3 seem to share a similar brain chemistry.)
i was initially scared to try depakote, but i have a good friend who's a social worker who reassured me that he's seen about 100 people on the drug and none have had serious problems with it.
i'm not even through the first week, but i feel that i'm getting used to the first (250 mg) dose already. yesterday, i felt apathetic, and it makes me somewhat tired, but it's not too bad. i enjoy feeling calmer, more even. (btw, i have a metabolic problem so i'll probably have a greater effect at a lower doese.)
a friend who took meds for mania told me that it felt strange to him initially to feel calm. he felt 'blank,' like he almost wasn't feeling anything, because the contrast to having a revved-up mind was so strong. once he had taken meds regularly for about a month however, he felt better and 'normal.'
just wanted to throw in my 2 cents -- good luck for your son.
Posted by Singapore on September 21, 2003, at 23:47:58
In reply to Re: 13yo son j/diagnosed w/BP...Depakote...help wanted, posted by bookgurl99 on September 21, 2003, at 17:44:02
Hey everyone,
Thank you again to all of you for your support and helpful info, I really appreciate it. My son seems to have a lot more normal days recently, he is playing with his younger brother again, etc. That has not happened for a long while.
Thank you so much.
Singapore
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.