Example Valproic Acid Monitoring Plan

VALPROIC ACID (for example, Depakote ER®, Depakene®, Stavzor®)

Obtain baseline complete blood cell counts with differential (CBC with diff); liver function tests, and pregnancy test for females. Monitor Depakote levels, liver function tests, and CBC with diff every 3-6 months. Monitor for development of polycystic ovary disease in females.

Based on: Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with bipolar disorder. McClellan J, Kowatch R, Findling RL; Work Group on Quality Issues. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2007 Jan;46(1):107-25. Erratum in: J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2007 Jun;46(6):786.