FortifiedCoward Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 (edited) I've been taking valproic acid for about 5 years with one long period of no medication. Except for a blood test during IP I've never had a blood test done. My last pdoc I've seen for the longest never offered a blood test. I'm not sure what his diagnosis of me was, but he did keep me on Depakote. Maybe it's just how pdocs do things in my country but do you have to ask your pdoc to do a blood test? I'm concerned about Valproate-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy as well and from what I understand, the blood test for VHE is different from liver function monitoring. How often are blood tests done on those on long term depakote treatment? And has anyone asked or done amonia blood tests? Does your pdoc do the blood test or do they refer you to a gp? Edited May 20, 2015 by FortifiedCoward Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gearhead Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 When I was on Depakote I had blood tests not more than every six months. My pdoc never forgot, even if I wasn't thinking about it. If your pdoc doesn't order them and won't when you ask, go to your gdoc and request one. It isn't a big deal; I can't think why your gdoc would refuse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissaw72 Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 (edited) When I was on depakote I never had to have any blood tests for that med specifically. You could still ask your pdoc about it though, and voice your concerns as to why to him/her. Edited May 19, 2015 by melissaw72 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FortifiedCoward Posted May 19, 2015 Author Share Posted May 19, 2015 Thanks. I was getting concerned so I'll raise it next time with my pdoc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dianthus Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 (edited) My doc doesn't order blood tests regularly especially since my dose is so low. He'll do them if I ask, but it's specifically for liver function and Depakote levels. From what I'm reading in the scholarly articles, blood screening for valproate-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy isn't done until someone on a valproate presents with altered mental status. Edited May 19, 2015 by dianthus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rowan77 Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 When I was on valproate I had blood tests every 6 months or so, mainly to check liver function Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FortifiedCoward Posted May 20, 2015 Author Share Posted May 20, 2015 My doc doesn't order blood tests regularly especially since my dose is so low. He'll do them if I ask, but it's specifically for liver function and Depakote levels. From what I'm reading in the scholarly articles, blood screening for valproate-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy isn't done until someone on a valproate presents with altered mental status. When I was on valproate I had blood tests every 6 months or so, mainly to check liver function Thanks everyone. I was just checking the PI for the valproate I take, and it only said that periodically testing liver function was "preferable." So I guess it depends on individual patients, dosage and stuff. The PI didn't mention the interval for testing so knowing it really helps. As for hyperammonemia the frequency of occurrence is at 0.9% according to the PI. So I guess I'm worrying too much about it. I'll ask my pdoc for the liver function tests for sure though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dianthus Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 I was just checking the PI for the valproate I take, and it only said that periodically testing liver function was "preferable." So I guess it depends on individual patients, dosage and stuff. The PI didn't mention the interval for testing so knowing it really helps. As for hyperammonemia the frequency of occurrence is at 0.9% according to the PI. So I guess I'm worrying too much about it. I'll ask my pdoc for the liver function tests for sure though. The hyperammonemia will present with other symptoms other than a blood test-- mainly confusion/altered mental status, so I wouldn't worry about it unless you start presenting those symptoms. The liver function tests are good to have, and I like knowing my level but it doesn't seem to matter much in terms of treatment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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