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Q: I have a blood disorder called Idiopathic Thrombocyptopenia Purpura (ITP)
and Bipolar Disorder, recovering from a blood cancer, does depakote and/or
lithium cause problems to the blood disorder? Should I be taking something
specific for the bipolar that doesn't cause problems to the ITP?
Dear Diane --
Depakote can decrease platelet counts; it does so mildly very often, but
not enough to cause too much trouble. Enough though that the manufacturer
recommends you not use aspirin while taking Depakote (the aspirin can cause
prolonged bleeding, and lower platelet counts then become an issue). Your
internal medicine doctor would probably not think Depakote was good idea with
your other conditions and might recommend that your psychiatrist find an
alternative
mood stabilizer.
Dr. Phelps
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