7/27/2019 Peds Mood Stabilizers

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Drug UsesMost Common

Dosing Range(Generally weight based)

Max Dose(Less Common & based on

blood levels)

Side Effects Monitoring Dosing Issues

Depakote

Depakote ERDepakote Sprinkles

Depakene(valproic acid)

FDA-Approved Uses:Seizures >10 years

Off-Label Uses:Bipolar

250 - 2,000 MG 2,000 MG

polycystic ovary

thrombocytopenia

weight gain

possible birth defects,

if pregnant; elevate liver

enzymes

Valproic acid

blood levelsliver tests

blood counts

pregnancy tests

Dosed twice dailyXR dosed once dailyDon't have to taper

off but may seeincreased mood

symptomsDon't double up if

miss dose

EskalithLithobid(lithium)

FDA-Approved Uses:

Bipolar(ages 12-17 years)

150 - 1,200 MG 1,800 MG

Related to blood levels

being too high:

tremordiarrhea

nausea

increased urination

Thyroid levelsKidney tests

Can be dosedmultiple times dailyDon't have to taper

off but may see

increased moodsymptoms

Don't double up ifmiss dose

Don't take withibuprofen

Lamictal(lamotrigine)

FDA-Approved Uses:Seizures

Off-Label Uses:Bipolar

2 to 5 - 200 MG

300 MG

(not based on

blood levels)

severe, possiblylife-threatening,

rash--stop taking if

rash occurs & calldoctor

None

If doses are missed>3 days, it should berestarted at original

dose, then increased

Trileptal

FDA-Approved Uses:Seizures

(ages 4-16 years)Off-Label Uses:

BipolarMood labilityAggression

150 - 1,800 MG 2,100 MGheadachedizziness

nausea / vomiting

Sodium bloodlevels

Usually dosed twicedaily

Can make birthcontrol pills not work

well

This information is intended as a guide, not as a comprehensive drug information reference. Not all pediatric psychiatric medications are included. Sound clinical judgment and individualized patient care is required and may dictate need for higher doses in specific cases.1. Texas DFPS & UT at Austin College of Pharmacy; December 2010; Psychotropic Medication Utilization Parameters for Foster Children;Retrieved from http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/documents/Child_Protection/pdf/TxFosterCareParameters-December2010.pdf2. Essential Psychopharmacology: The Prescriber's Guide, by Stephen M. Stahl, New York, NY, Cambridge University Press, 20053. Minoxidil. Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons [database online]. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc; March 2005. Accessed August 2012

Pediatric Mood Stabilizer Meds Cheat Sheet