Has anyone heard of this reaction to depakote?

[dpjglad]

My child has been on depakote for over a month. He is a large nine year old on over 700 mg.  He has had temperamental and social issues but not academic issues until recently.  He is not focusing or completing school work at home or in school.  He also does not follow through on tasks as simple as using his seatbelt which was never a problem before.  He has always been easily and inappropriately easily frustrated but no manic highs and lows but our new Dr says he is disregulated and prebipolar and that we should stick with this.  He failed his first test recently since being on this drug?????? Help? Is this unheard of as a side effect? Inability to focus, do school work and and an overall lack of control?

[Cityblonde]

I agree with Rebbecca, it's a high dose to start with and those can be side effects.  It can make you  feel very out of it, and tired, have difficulty concentrating and retaining information as well as other side effects.  It's also a medication that most drs monitor the blood levels of also, so you probably want to ask for blood work to make sure he has acceptable blood levels built up at this point, not to high and not too low.  It's also a medication that's given at night because it can really knock you out.  My son is on depekote, geodon, rozerem, and adderall xr.  He has Aspergers and add.  But he only takes 250 of the depokote and the dr does reg blood work on him.  He's 10,  Hope this helps!  Good luck!

[rebbecca]

yes it is possible and as his parent u have the right to call the dr and tell him or her that he is and will be taken off the med and to try something else. i also think that 700mg is alot for a nine year old.
my son is 8, he has adhd, odd, ect......he is on concerta and risperdal.