Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 10/14/2007

Question
My son was diagnosed with bipolar in August 2007 after having two manic episodes.  One in June and one in early August.  He's taking depakote and I've noticed that he has severe problems with memory loss, mostly short term loss.  It's starting to affect his life.  He's 18 and has up til now been extremely smart, now he's extremely forgetful and it's starting to scare me.  He takes depakote twice a day, 1000 mg. at a time and sometimes takes trasedone to sleep, though infrequently.  He no longer drinks and did smoke pot, but no longer.  I think he may need a different medication and don't know what to do.  We have only state insurance through the local health department.  Any help is appreciated.  This is breaking my heart seeing my sons memory get worse all the time.  Sincerely, SOndra

Answer
Hi Sondra:

I can understand your concern.  First, the dosage is way above what is considered the appropriate dosage, which is 60 mg a day.  You and your son need to discuss this with his doctor, or look for another one.  I realize the second option may not be possible with your insurance, so a talk is in order.

My suggestion would be one of two things.  First, it is possible that lowering the dosage to an acceptable level may help.  However, a second option is to discuss changing your son's medication to Lamictal.

Lamictal is the first drug since Lithium to be approved by the FDA for long-term use in bipolar disorder.  The good news is, it is effective, yet has very few side effects and does not require constant blood monitoring.  If possible, this would be my choice.
                 Joyce A. Anthony