Concern About Missing Medication Due to Diarrhea
Age: 22 Gender: Assigned Female at Birth Diagnoses: Bipolar II, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Current Medications: Lamictal 200mg, Zoloft 100mg, Wellbutrin 300mg, Prilosec, Depakote 750mg, Trazodone 50mg (I am aware of potential drug interactions) Issue: This may sound unusual, but I am currently experiencing a flare-up of my IBS, which has led to severe diarrhea. I'm almost certain that I expelled my Depakote medication during this episode. Should I take another dose now, or wait until my regular intake tomorrow?
Answers (1)
7/18/2025, 3:31:01 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s important to manage your medication carefully, especially when you’re experiencing conditions like IBS that can affect absorption and retention. In your case, given the severe diarrhea and potential loss of your Depakote dose, here’s how to proceed.
Key Points:
- Medication Loss Due to Diarrhea: It's possible that the Depakote was expelled and may not have been absorbed properly.
- Timing of Doses: Taking an additional dose too close to your next scheduled dose can lead to toxicity.
Explanation:
Depakote (valproic acid) is a medication that helps stabilize mood and is crucial for your treatment. In situations of diarrhea, medications can sometimes pass through the digestive system too quickly to be effective, meaning you may not have received the intended dose. However, it’s also important not to double up on doses without medical guidance to avoid side effects or toxicity.
Recommended Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: If you're feeling stable and not experiencing any alarming symptoms (like confusion, difficulty breathing, or unusual drowsiness), it's generally safer to wait for your next scheduled dose.
-
Skip the Dose if Needed: If you feel uncertain about whether you retained the dose, the safest option might be to skip today's dose and take your regular scheduled dose tomorrow.
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Hydrate: Ensure you're drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration from diarrhea. This is especially important with ongoing IBS symptoms.
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Track Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, including bowel movements, and how you're feeling overall. This information can be helpful in adjustments and discussions with your healthcare provider later.
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Consult About Your Medications: For future episodes of diarrhea or similar health challenges, consider speaking with your healthcare provider about how to manage your medication in the context of your IBS.
If your diarrhea persists or you have concerns about your medications or mental health, reach out for professional guidance as soon as possible to ensure you're on the right track.
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