Depakote and restless legs

[hootie]

Hey--

My son recently increased his depakote sprinkles from 5 caps per day to 6 per day. For the last few days, it seems like he has restless legs upon falling asleep and all night. When he increased from 4 caps per day to 5, he started biting his nails and has not stopped (this started in November). I mentioned the nail biting to his doc and she is trying to blame it on anxiety. He does it all the time!!! He is not anxious except when dogs are around.

Should I call the doc about the restless legs or should I wait until tomorrow? Just wondering if it could be something serious...

 

[Endless]

Hi, Hootie,

When trying to figure out whether I should call the doc, I start with drug info online to see if that gives me any guidance.

A good place to start to see if a reaction is serious is the package insert. You can look up the package insert for any drug here:
http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailyme...A27AE195B519C&jsessionid=ca30a9088491514a7606

Here's a link to epilepsy.com's helpful hints about reading a package insert: http://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/medicine_insert

The package insert for Depakote does mention musculoskeletal symptoms, but not under its "precautions" section, which flags reactions that are extremely serious.

Musculoskeletal System: Myalgia, twitching, arthralgia, leg cramps, myasthenia

Epilepsy.com has more info on Depakote, and it's easier to read than the package insert. Once you pick your drug, on the right hand side you can click on what type of info you need. There's also a link to download a .pdf sheet with all the info.
http://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/seizure_medicines

Epilepsy.com says:

A few people have serious reactions to Depakote. These problems are very rare but everyone who takes this medicine should at least be aware of them because a very small number of people have died because of them.

Here's a list of warning signs that may be the start of one of these problems. If you notice any of these things, call the doctor immediately:

weakness, sluggishness, swelling of the face, loss of appetite, vomiting, yellowish eyes or skin, especially in a child under 2 years of age (possible liver failure)
pain in the abdomen, upset stomach, vomiting, or loss of appetite (possible disease of the pancreas) easy bruising, nosebleed, other abnormal bleeding (problems with clotting)
Tell the doctor right away if you notice any of these problems, but don't stop using the Depakote unless the doctor says so.

I also googled "Depakote Restless Leg" and got a slew of links. It seems that Depakote is sometimes prescribed to relieve restless leg syndrome.

I don't take this stuff as the end guide on whether to call the doc. Lots of stuff isn't listed in the info. In the end, you know your child best. If you are worried, call the doc. It can't hurt and may help. Tere will be a neuro on call. That's what they are there for - it's their job and they get paid for it.

I hope your son feels better soon. Give him a hug for me, okay?

 

[hootie]

Thanks!

I will keep this all in mind.

Today he seemed like he was coming down with something. Quiet, mopey, looks like his throat is hurting him when he swallows...so maybe the restless legs are due to him not feeling well. He fell asleep tonight more like he usually does...like a log (no movement).

I will keep an eye on the leg situation but it looks better tonight:woot:.