peanutmommy Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 We're weaning my son off of Depakote and switching him over to Tegretol. Any big warnings I should know about? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debiz Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 My son has been on Tegretol for years with no problems or side effects. He uses it as part of a cocktail he's on to treat his Intermittant Explosive Disorder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peanutmommy Posted February 27, 2009 Author Share Posted February 27, 2009 How often does your son have to have blood work done? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnneMarie Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 I switched from Depakote to Tegretol and am very happy with the change. Tegretol has stabilized me in a way Depakote didn't do. I also don't have much in the way of side effects, which I couldn't say for Depakote (primarily hunger, weight gain, hair falling out, smell). No funky labs. I get blood work every six months now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debiz Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 I don't believe his pdoc has ever had bloodwork done on him for the Tegretol. I didn't even know you had to. Why do you need it? My son is currently recieving regular bloodwork but it's for something else. I feel stupid now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peanutmommy Posted February 27, 2009 Author Share Posted February 27, 2009 Well, according to the book I'm reading The Bipolar Child by Demitri Papolos, M.D., and Janice Papolos, it says this: Before starting on Tegretol, a child needs a medical evaluation, and blood tests to evaluate liver function, blood cell and platelet counts, and iron concentration. and later this: Because Tegretol activates certain enzymes in the liver, and this causes the drug itself and many others to be metabolized aster, te serum egretol level may drop somewhat after the irs month of treatment, requireing increased doses based on blood levels. Blood tests are needed more frequently in he beginning of reatment and every three months or so afterward. also I found this to be interesting. . . Alwas store this medication away from sources of heat and out o direct sunlight, and never store in a bathroom cabinet because humidity may cause it to lose one-third or more of it's effectiveness. The tablets can absorb moisture, harden, and become less soluble and less well absorbed when taken. The Food and Drug Administration recommends that during humid weather, Tegretol be dispensed in limited amounts and in moisture-proof containers. Sorry if there are typos. I didn't proof read very well. . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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