Zelling Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 Hi, My GP has put me on sodium valproate 200mg 3 times daily (so 600mg, then increasing after 3 days to 2 tablets in the morning and one each at lunch and dinner, so 800mg), so that I can survive the next few weeks until I finally get in to see my psychiatrist. I understand this is a pretty low dose (because I tend to be overly sensitive to medications), but I can't seem to find much on what an average dose is. I also find it interesting he chose a mood stabilizer for schizoaffective (depressive) symptoms, as I have yet to find much literature on the use of it for anything other than bipolar & epilepsy. What dose is average? Has anyone else with schizophrenia disorders (but not bipolar) had it prescribed to them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissaw72 Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 Does this help? https://www.drugs.com/dosage/valproic-acid.html Quote Usual Adult Dose for Mania Delayed-release capsules : Initial dose: 750 mg orally per day in divided doses Maximum dose: 60 mg/kg orally per day Duration: Safety and efficacy beyond 3 weeks has not been establishedComments: -The dose should be increased as rapidly as possible to achieve the lowest therapeutic dose which produces the desired clinical effect or the desired range of plasma concentrations. -In placebo-controlled clinical trials of acute mania, patients were dosed to a clinical response with a trough plasma concentration of 50 to 125 mcg/mL. -Maximum concentrations were generally achieved within 14 days. -Safety and efficacy for longer term use in the maintenance of the initial response and prevention of new manic episodes has not been systematically evaluated in clinical trials. Use for extended periods should be accompanied by regular review for the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient. https://www.drugs.com/pro/valproate.html (not sure if this is helpful ^^ ... I have searched for dosage of sodium valproate and SZ everywhere, but couldn't seem to find a definitive dosage range for SZ). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zelling Posted November 26, 2016 Author Share Posted November 26, 2016 Thank you for responding, and also for hunting around for the info! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zelling Posted November 26, 2016 Author Share Posted November 26, 2016 Also, I've read a number of different things about how long it takes to work. Anywhere between 5 half-lives (so about 2.5-3 days) to a week, to two weeks, to six to eight weeks. Could anyone confirm or tell me how long it took to work for them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt07 Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 It should work in a week or two. It's not like an antidepressant that takes weeks to work. Epilim/Depakote made my depression worse, and I also find it a strange choice for someone who leans to the depressed side. But maybe your doctor is on to something and hopefully it will work out great for you. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissaw72 Posted November 27, 2016 Share Posted November 27, 2016 10 hours ago, Zelling said: Also, I've read a number of different things about how long it takes to work. Anywhere between 5 half-lives (so about 2.5-3 days) to a week, to two weeks, to six to eight weeks. Could anyone confirm or tell me how long it took to work for them? https://www.drugs.com/dosage/valproic-acid.html Quote -Maximum concentrations were generally achieved within 14 days. Is this info that you are looking for? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rowan77 Posted November 27, 2016 Share Posted November 27, 2016 I am on 1600mg and tolerating it well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dtac Posted November 28, 2016 Share Posted November 28, 2016 Steady-state on valproate is usually a week or so. I know I could perceive changes from my dosing within a week, although those were mostly side effects... but, hey, I guess I was metabolizing it correctly! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zelling Posted November 28, 2016 Author Share Posted November 28, 2016 Thank you all for your replies. Day 4 today, so getting there! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lifequake Posted November 28, 2016 Share Posted November 28, 2016 I'm curious to know how it goes and am rooting for you. Pdoc prescribed me Depakote, but I've been hesitant to start it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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