Can depakote interfere with your thyroid blood tests?
I have the understanding that Depakote is not only to treat depression but is said to help those with thyroid symptoms and
people who get migraines. If a person has all the symptoms of hyperthyroid and a nodule is found on their thyroid but they have been on depakote because it was thought they were manic depressive. Then when they go in for their thyroid tests their
thyroid tests come back normal. Could the depakote be interfering with their thyroid test results?
I can’t find anything that states that Depakote is said to help those with thyroid symptoms. I can’t see how it could possibly help either.
It is extremely common for hyperthyroidism to be misdiagnosed as a mental illness such as bipolar though, due to laziness on the part of the doctor, and unwillingness to run the right tests.
This is from the product insert:
PRECAUTIONS
There have been reports of altered thyroid function tests associated with valproate. The clinical significance of these is unknown.
CNS Effects
Irregular menses, secondary amenorrhea, breast enlargement, galactorrhea, and parotid gland swelling. Abnormal thyroid function tests (see PRECAUTIONS).