I don't *think* depakote should be prescribed to under 18 females due to the risk of PCOS, but I guess her psych has already done the risk/benefits analysis. I'd bring it up with them though - you also need to consider whether she is likely to become sexually active at any stage soon, because that needs to be factored in too.
I'm currently on 750mg depakote but I've been on 1000mg before. I do find it a very good med for me and I've been lucky to have few side effects - the liver thing won't really be an issue I don't think unless she starts trying to drink while on it as well (which again considering her age I guess you have to kinda consider what with peer pressure etc - even if she's sensible and knows she can't drink on it, there's still that pressure.)
Have you tried other self management strategies with her to see ifyou can control it? Sleep/wake cycles, diet, omega three, vitamin B etc have all been shown to have positive effects. But I also guess it depends on whether she has mainly depressive or hypomanic symptoms.
I guess the other thing to ask, is how does your daughter feel about it? I mean it's going to be her taking it, and if it is prescribed she'll need to make sure she's taking it and she's less likely to do that if she doesn't agree with the treatment to start with.
|
