Depakote ER - How often should blood tests be performed when taking Depakote?

I have been taking depakote for eight years. It used to be the case that you would be sent for a blood test every three months, but I believe that the policy has now changed. Initially as a new user, a person will be sent at three month intervals to make sure that all is going according to plan. Once that has been ascertained (as the initial phase can be the riskiest for consuming the drug), the doctor will probably send the patient annually. So in other words, twice in six months to start out, and after that once a year.