Depakote And Alzheimers

Kathleen Says:
Fri, Oct 21 '16, 10:18 AM

My husband has Alzheimers and became combative at the Memory Care Facility where he lives. They sent him to the hospital which sent him spiraling down to probably late stage ALZ now. They kept him on lots of haldol for about 2 weeks. He couldn't walk anymore, didn't talk, couldn't feed himself and rarely opened his eyes. After trying other meds, they put him on Depakote. He remained there for another 2 weeks weaning off the Haldol and then went back to the facility. He was still in withdrawal and it took another month to get it all out of his system. But as soon as he returned they put him on Depakote only. 1000mg at night, now changed to 250 in the morning and 1000 at night. He is now awake, talking and no longer combative. He just gets agitated when they need to change his clothes. He is still at a much more severe stage of ALZ than when he went to the hospital, but Depakote seems to be a life saver for him. One thing we noticed though is crying a lot. He has always been a very sensitive soul and would tear up often. But now, he cries whenever anything nice is said to him or when he hears music he remembers. It's not really a problem but I'm wondering if the depakote is related to this at all? Regardless we'd not allow them to change the med, just curious?

Verwon Says:
Sat, Oct 22 '16, 2:02 PM
Hello, Kathleen! How is your husband doing? I am very sorry about his condition.

Yes, the Depakote can cause mood swings as a side effect, according to FDA reports. He may also experience nausea, dizziness, headache, and weight changes.

Is there anything else I can help with?