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Stavzor

Bipolar symptoms checker – self evaluation

Sometimes your feelings can be so intense they prevent you from functioning normally. Your mood may swing from excessively "high" and/or irritable (called manic) to sad and low (called depression).

If you think you may have experienced or are experiencing the manic (hyper) phase of bipolar disorder, fill out this questionnaire, print it and take it to your doctor. If you don't have a visit scheduled, call to make an appointment.

Your answers will not be recorded or retained on this website.

The questionnaire is not intended to provide a diagnosis; only your doctor can help determine if you are experiencing the manic symptoms of bipolar disorder. The questionnaire, however, can be a valuable tool in helping to determine if further steps need to be taken.

(Your doctor also will help determine if you are experiencing the depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder.)

I am over age 18
Yes
No

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

My moods

Has there ever been a period of time when:

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

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

  3. You felt much more self confident than normal?
    Yes No

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

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

  6. You spoke so rapidly that others asked you to slow down?
    Yes No

  7. You had lots more energy than normal?
    Yes No

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

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

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

  11. You were preoccupied by sex?
    Yes No

  12. You went on spending sprees that jeopardized your or your family's finances?
    Yes No

  13. You did things that others who knew you 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."


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