mood disorder

[snowflake2226]

I have a friend who has previously been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He is on depakote, his  meds are taken with 2 in the am, 1 at noon and 2 at bedtime. they are working but he says after being on them now for 6 months they aren't working enough. His psychiatrist says to now change the times to none in the am, 2 at noon and 2 at bed for three days then go take all 4 at night, He can barely make it through the day with the ones he takes in the day.  why would the doctor say take all 4 in the evening? Will it still be in his system during the day so he can function and work? He  did take pot and he drinks. Now  he has stopped taking the pot but he still drinks and and he told the doctors. He's drinking more cause the meds aren't strong enough. What should I do? Should he have another opinion or am I just jumping to conclusions that he''ll lose his job or something worse. please help. should he be on something for anxiety?

[ILADVOCATE]

  Depakoate generally has a short half life (time it remains in the blood stream) and often has to be taken several times a day although each person responds differently to each medication. However there must be some reason they are adjusting it so he should ask them why. IIf after they have adjusted the Depakoate he still is experiencing concerns he could discuss other options with them. Alcohol can often reduce the efficacy of any medication so it might be worthwhile for him to attend a dual recovery group.

[speedy7777]

I'd also ask the pdoc about the continued use of alcohol and whether it may interfere with the Depakote. Has he had a Depakote blood test done to determine the drug levels in his body? That's also something to discuss with his pdoc. I hope you both find some resolution soon.