Best Way to Stop Taking Depakote
Depakote is a prescription, anticonvulsant medication used to prevent seizures. It is also used to treat some symptoms of bipolar disorder, including periods of abnormally extreme highs, and to help prevent migraine headaches. Some doctors prescribe Depakote for purposes not indicated by its labeling, such as drug addiction withdrawal and obsessive compulsive disorder. Prescribing medication off label is a common practice. Because Depakote is used to subdue an active brain, for those who stop taking Depakote too abruptly, withdrawal symptoms may occur.
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How to Stop Taking Depakote
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Even though Depakote is not addictive, and there's very little chance that someone will abuse this medication, stopping too quickly can result in seizures, even if you've never had one before. It is recommended to withdrawal from this drug under the supervision of your doctor, who will likely have you reduce your dose over the period of several weeks or months until you are at an amount that is non-clinically affective. When you're doctor is confident that you will not have symptoms of withdrawal, she will let you know that you no longer need to take the medication.
Replacing Depakote with a Different Drug
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Some patients stop taking Depakote so that they can try a different epilepsy medication. Even if you are switching to a different drug, it is not recommended to stop taking one medication abruptly and then beginning another. Your current dosage, and what medication you are planning to take instead, will determine your doctor's plan for weaning you off of Depakote. If you stop taking your medication before you've reached the effective dose of the replacement medication, you increase your risk for having seizures or migraines. It's important that you report all symptoms or side effects to your physician. Some people are able to stop taking medications with few or no problems, while others experience moderate to severe side effects when they minimize their dose by even a small amount.
Drug-Replacement Therapy
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Some doctors will prescribe a different medication to help you through your period of withdrawal from Depakote. Benzodiazepines like Xanax and Klonopin work by calming nerves and treating anxiety. Dr. Roger Gould, psychiatrist and former head of Community Psychiatry and Outpatient Psychiatry at UCLA, indicates that some physicians and psychiatrists prefer Klonopin because it is longer-acting. The most important thing you need to know about getting off of Depkote is that you must do it under the supervision of your doctor, keep your appointments and report all side effects.
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