Daughter on Depakote

Brief history:  My daughter is 7 yrs old, somewhat difficult, shy, does not make friends easily.  Does well in school, but needs extra help with reading (is in 1st grade).  

About 5 weeks ago she was diagnosed with Absence seizures (video EEG) and was put on 250 mg of Depakote twice a day.  Almost immediately after starting on Depakote we (school and parents) started noticing the following changes.  Behavior got really bad, not at all cooperative, went from doing well in school to falling behind (would refuse to do school work, would hand work back with blanks or question marks).  We also had this problem with homework.  Handwritting went from very neat to very sloppy.  In a 4 week period of time 3 children asked to be moved from her table at school.  Was not playing with any of the children at school (I think because they were not willing to play with her). Not sure what she was doing or saying to cause this.  Would start laughing at inappropriate times.  When asked to stop, she would say she could not control it.

Questions:
1.  Her neurologist does not think that these changes are caused by the medication.  What are your thoughts?  Isn't it possible to have a reverse reaction to medication?
2.  Her neurologist agreed to take her off the medication and see how her behavior is in one week.  He told me to completely stop the medication.  I thought you needed to be weaned off Depakote?  Will completely stopping it harm her in any way?

Thank you for your help in this matter!!!

Concerned Mom!

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

It could be that the behaviors you have witnessed are associated with the medicine, and the only way to truly know is to discontinue the medication. At the dose she was taking such discontinuation shouldn't produce problems. Be sure to speak with the neurologist about alternatives to Depakote, particularly if her behavior returns to baseline and you don't want to re-start the Depakote.

[nurse12hr]

Just a quick thought on the second part of your question--call the pharmacy where the prescription is prepared, and discuss how to stop the medication with the pharmacist.  They will know if it has to be weaned.

Good luck with your daughter.

[DinaGrimes]

Thank you so much for your response.  It really helped to ease my mind.  I don't know if it is possible or just a coincidence, but last night (after not taking her meds the night before and that morning) our daughter was back to her old self.  I will send an email to her teacher to see if she has noticed any changes.

Question for Doctor:  Is it possible to notice a change this quickly?

Comment to Christie:  Thank you for your advice.  I called the pharmacist as you suggested and he was also able to ease my mind.

This website is a great resource for concerned parents!!!