Has anyone ever given Divalproex to alzheimer's patient. I have a prescription here from doctor as DH has been very paranoid. I read about this pill and am extremely worried.
My problem is that I work full time and have to have him in daycare. He has been acting paranoid, angry, agitated and causes a lot of problems in the daycare. Thus the reason for the prescription.
mar-divalproex is the generic form of depakote which many of our spouses are taking. We have had many discussions of black box warnings on drugs. Many of us have chosen it ignore the warning for the greater good of the patient. If I can find the discussion I will bring it to the top for you.
My husband takes it twice a day. He also takes Namenda, Lexapro but needed something to help him become calmer overall. His behavior was escalating towards violence. I thought that Depakote made folks sleepy, but I didn't care as I needed us to be safe. His reaction to the Depakote was just the opposite - no more day time sleeping, more energy, takes initiative, not to mention calm sweet man again. I think it is trial and error to find the right med that will work as they all react differently. the doctor did say that if the Depakote didn't work, that he would try Zyprexa.
My DH is on Depakote after having multiple problems with the anti-psychotics. He is doing well.
Remember, some meds have side effects that only occur when you initially start them and then disappear. Sometimes it helps to know the possible short term side effects of starting a new med.
PatB
p.s. The long acting Depakote is not available as a generic, but the "regular" one is generic.