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Stavzor

Bipolar symptoms checker — family and friends

Sometimes a family member or friend's feelings can be so intense they prevent normal functioning. The individual's mood may swing from excessively "high" and/or irritable (called manic) to sad and low (called depression).

If you think you know someone who may have experienced or is experiencing the manic (hyper) phase of bipolar disorder, fill out this questionnaire. Your answers will not be recorded or retained on this website.

The questionnaire is not intended to provide a diagnosis; only a doctor can help determine if an individual is experiencing the manic symptoms of bipolar disorder. This symptoms checker, however, can be a valuable tool in helping you to determine if action needs to be taken.

My loved one is over age 18
Yes
No

The individual has a family member who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Yes
No
Don't know

Manic moods

Has there ever been a period of time when your loved one:

  1. Was so hyperactive that others commented on it?
    Yes No

  2. Was so angry and irritable that you fought with others?
    Yes No

  3. Acted much more self confident than normal?
    Yes No

  4. Slept a few hours a night but didn't feel tired the next day?
    Yes No

  5. Had trouble concentrating and didn't get a lot accomplished?
    Yes No

  6. Spoke so rapidly that others asked the individual to slow down?
    Yes No

  7. Had lots more energy than normal?
    Yes No

  8. Was much more of an extrovert than normal?
    Yes No

  9. Changed clothing choices to brighter, more flamboyant colors and styles?
    Yes No

  10. Drank excessive amounts of alcohol or used illegal drugs?
    Yes No

  11. Was preoccupied by sex?
    Yes No

  12. Went on spending sprees that jeopardized their own or their family's finances?
    Yes No

  13. Did things that others who knew the individual considered unsafe?
    Yes No

  14. If you answered "yes" to more than one of these, did they happen during the same period of time?
    Yes
    No


Questionnaire adapted from the National Institute of Mental Health publication "Bipolar Disorder."

Bipolar Symptoms Checker

Important Safety Information You Should Know about STAVZOR

Liver problems Your doctor should check your liver function before you start taking STAVZOR and at frequent intervals while you're on therapy. If you feel generally ill (malaise), weak, and tired, if your face is swollen and you lose your appetite, and start vomiting, call your doctor immediately.

Pregnancy: Birth defectsWomen who can become pregnant need to know that valproic acid has been associated with birth defects, in particular with spina bifida, a condition in which the baby's spinal canal fails to close. If you are planning to become pregnant, you should discuss the risks of birth defects, along with other possible treatment options, with your doctor. If you do become pregnant while taking STAVZOR, call your doctor immediately.
Read more important safety information about pregnancy.

PancreatitisSome people taking valproate have experienced a serious, life-threatening illness called pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas). If you experience stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and/or loss of appetite, call your doctor immediately.

Common side effects reported in studies with valproate were nausea, drowsiness, vomiting, and dizziness. These are not all the side effects that may occur. You will find a complete list of side effects in the full Prescribing Information.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


Recent Information about Antiepileptic Medications including STAVZOR® (valproic acid) Delayed Release Capsules for any use

For Patients and Caregivers

All antiepileptic medicines, used for any condition, may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some patients. Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Keep all follow-up visits with the healthcare provider as scheduled. Call the healthcare provider between visits as needed, especially if you have concerns about symptoms.

Watch for and call the healthcare provider right away to report if you or your family member see the appearance or worsening of symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or the appearance of suicidal thoughts, behavior, or thoughts about self-harm. Behaviors of concern should be reported immediately to the healthcare provider.

For Healthcare Professionals

All antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including STAVZOR, increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Anyone considering prescribing Stavzor or any other AED must balance their risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior with the risk of untreated illness.

Patients, their caregivers, and families should be informed that AEDs increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior and should be advised of the need to be alert for the emergence or worsening of the signs and symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or the emergence of suicidal thoughts, behavior or thoughts about self-harm. Behaviors of concern should be reported immediately to healthcare providers.

For medical inquiries specific to Stavzor, please call 1-800-455-8070