possible overdose or adverse reation to depakote

[rae__0__0]

  I work with a 60 year old male who is developmentally disabled. He has had epilepsy all his life and had been taking dilatin and phenobarbital. Three months ago he was hospitalized and it was found his dilatin level had dropped too low. A new doctor took him off dilatin abrupty and prescribed 750mg of depakote and continued his 180mg of phenobarbital per day. He increased the depakote to a level of 2,250mg per day a few months ago and kept him on the 180mg of phenobarbital also. This individual is barely able to function during the day. He complains of being dizzy, sleepy, he loses his balance and has fallen several times resulting in three cracked ribs and many bumps to the head. He stoops over and breaths heavy at times and can not stop himself when he walks. On other days he seems a bit more in control of himself and is able to participate in a conversation and care for himself. Last month he was found on his porch in a coma. He seems to get better when he is hospitalized but soon after being released, he goes down hill again. He still continues to have seizures but he has them at night therefore they are difficult to track. He was never given a liver function test but is scheduled for an MRI and another EEG. Is he having an adverse reation to his medication or possibly being over dosed?
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Dear Rae:
Certainly, your friend's problems are quite complex and some of the symptoms you described could be due to Depakote/Phenobarbital side effects.
The most important thing in this situation is to take him to an Epileptologist in order to take fresh look at him and then make  a decision on the need of Depakote and/or Phenobarbital.
If you desire to get him to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1 800 CCF CARE in order to make an appointment.
Good luck