Mission Connection has published a new guide on how to manage withdrawal without hospitalization. The resource offers information on potential symptoms and medically supervised tapering schedules to support a safe transition when discontinuing the drug.
-- The recently published guide offers information for patients undergoing the process of discontinuing Depakote, a medication often used for seizures and bipolar disorder. The guide outlines a framework for a safe and well-managed transition and is intended to help individuals manage withdrawal symptoms without hospitalization.
More information is available at https://missionconnectionhealthcare.com/mental-health/mood-stabilizers/depakote/
Divalproex sodium, marketed as Depakote, is primarily used for treating certain seizure disorders, managing mood symptoms and manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, and preventing migraines in adults. While it is helpful over the short term, prolonged usage can affect other parts of the body, with the most common side effects being weight gain, impacts on liver function, and hormonal imbalances; the medication may also increase the risk of severe birth defects during pregnancy.
Because of the aforementioned side effects, patients may wish to discontinue the medication, but doing so without professional guidance can be dangerous. FDA guidelines state that divalproex sodium should not be stopped suddenly because of severe withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, headaches, mood swings, and a return of manic symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder; another significant risk is status epilepticus, a neurological emergency involving continuous, life-threatening seizures. Instead, experts say that it’s safer to gradually taper off Depakote to allow the body to adjust safely to decreasing amounts in the system.
When stopping Depakote, Mission Connection’s guide recommends a medically supervised dose reduction over a set period of time. One common strategy involves decreasing the dose by approximately 25% every one to two weeks, but the specific plan will differ on an individual basis and depends on how long the patient was taking the drug, their usual dose, and the reason it was prescribed; some clinical findings suggest a gradual reduction over two to four weeks, while other guidelines recommend a slower approach to allow the brain to adapt.
Regardless of the plan, Mission Connection’s guide advises patients to watch for signs of withdrawal or symptom recurrence and adjust dosage reductions accordingly. If the individual was initially taking a high dose of Depakote, they may also benefit from periodic lab tests to ensure their organs are functioning properly.
Interested parties can learn more by visiting https://missionconnectionhealthcare.com/
Contact Info:
Name: Nathan Di Tomaso
Email: Send Email
Organization: Mission Connection
Address: 30310 Rancho Viejo Rd. , San Juan Capistrano, California 92675, United States
Website: https://missionconnectionhealthcare.com/
Source: PressCable
Release ID: 89171673
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