Hello. My 8 y/o son is being treated for adhd and possible mood disorder. He has been on depakote (500mg/day) for two weeks and just started risperdal. However, his alt (sgpt) is 186 (normal 0-55) and his ast (sgot) is 122 (normal 0-60). Is this dangerous to him? How can it be lowered?

Have you spoken to your son's doctor about his high levels of ast and alt? I'm sure you already know this, but high levels of ast and alt are indications of liver damage.

The combination of ris and dep are pretty common, even with the addition of prozac included to make it a cocktail, however, people taking this combination often have to have their blood levels monitored as it does a number on your liver.

I'm assuming that the doctor has taken his blood and has seen these numbers... what does he/she suggest?

I have a call into the doctor. Jon is in the hospital being stabilized now and the doctor has not called back. I read an article that stated strattera can cause these high enzymes and that they will continue to increase for several weeks after the med is discontinued. He was on strattera for a week and a half and has been off it for a week.

It could be strattera, yes, but high levels of ast and alt are pretty common with people that are taking dep and ris, which is why blood level monitoring is pretty much the protocol.

I certainly hope that he's doing better. Keep us updated.