Drug Ratings for DEPAKOTEAverage Rating: 3.1 (487 Ratings)
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Results are sorted by Gender with males listed first Key to Ratings: 1=LOW (I would not recommend taking this medicine.) |
| RATING | REASON | SIDE EFFECTS FOR DEPAKOTE | COMMENTS | SEX | AGE | DURATION/ DOSAGE | DATE ADDED |
  | F M | | | | |||
| 3 | Anxiety, Seratonin imbalance. | BAD memory loss, loss of concentration, nausea. | I took it and I thought it was working fine. I experienced some nausea in the beginning but it wasn't a deal breaker. I was experiencing some memory loss as well, which at the time wasn't a deal breaker either. I sometimes forgot names briefly, phone numbers, spellings, simple math, song lyrics, and had to make a lot of lists reminding me of various things each day. But I thought all this was worth it compared to how I felt before taking the drug. THEN, I went back to university and not only had the memory loss started to get worse by the second month, I noticed that functioning and doing kind of school work was next to impossible. I couldn't concentrate on anything and couldn't remember anything I read or wrote down. This made it really hard to....hold on I can't remember the word I want use here.....be motivated to do any work. Before taking the drug I was able to write 20 page research papers in about two days. NOW, I have been struggling to write three pages in a day. My school work is severely suffering and I have no idea how I am going to remember anything when I have mid-terms. To conclude, from my personal experience I have been having trouble with the drug since taking it. BUT, everybody is different and I have known many people who have said it helps tremendously, I just wanted to get my two cents in regarding my own experience with it. | F | 21 | 2 months | 9/20/2009 | 3 | severe, frequent migraines | weight gain, minor hair loss, very weird dreams, ringing in the ears | Started on 500mg daily of Depakote ER. Experienced weight gain, hair loss, weird dreams. Dr. reduced dosage to 250mg daily and added 250mg daily of Topamax after a few years. The combination seemed to help the migraines (and lessened the hair loss), but I associated the incessant ringing in the ears to the addition of Topamax. Dr. switched me from Topamax to 250mg daily of Keppra; did not help the ringing. Recently went off Keppra and Dr. added 7.5mg Deplin daily (due to high level of homocysteine). Migraines have subsided almost completely since menopause hit about a year ago. I guess in general, Depakote helped prevent migraines for me. | F | 55 | 10 years | 6/10/2009 | 3 | Seizure Disorder | nausea,weight gain, hair loss, hand tremors, CRAZY DREAMS that I remember almost every morning & insomnia | I was just diagnosed with a "seizure disorder" in July of 09'. Apparently I have been experiencing the "aura" as my crazy doctor call its for years but had my first full blown seizure this year. Depakote ER is my third medicine and for the most part the only one that is stopping the seizures from coming on but I have experience alot of side effects. At first on this medicine I was nauseated for about the first month. Now I have horrible hair loss and I've just started to notice I get tremors in my hands and I've gain 15 lbs in about 3 months. I have been experiencing insomnia and when I do get to sleep I have the crazy vivid dreams that I remember almost every morning when I wake up. I have had two seizures since I've been on depakote er but again according to my Dr. they are what are to be considered "break through" seizures. I am currently looking for a new neurologist. Hopefully I can get something that I can have a normal life on!! | F | 29 | 3 months | 12/16/2009 | 3 | migraine headaches | hair loss, weight gain, tremors, dizziness, delayed mental response time, indegestion, reflux | My neurologist told me the Depakote ER was the "court of last resort" for my migraines. I have noticed it takes my body about a month before I can see the results of the medication. I have 13 to 14 severe migraines a month that are linked to my monthly cycle. The Depakote ER 500 mg per day almost stopped them at first, then they crept back. Now I'm up to 1000 mg per day and am not sure I can keep it up because of the worsening side effects. It's like my digestive system has completely stopped working and I'm gaining more weight and losing more hair if that's possible. I may try the topomax again sooooooon! | F | 34 | 8 months | 1/1/2010 | 3 | Bipolar 2 | no side effects for first 2 weeks - after that I had weight gain, irritability, hallicinations, trouble sleeping, confusion, dizziness when I look to the left or right | I hate this medicine and want off of it ASAP | F | 31 | 30 days | 12/30/2009 | 3 | bipolar disorder | Rapid weight (+45 lbs.), fatigue, almost complete lack of motivation, increasing swelling of hands and feet (during later stages. Needed to augment with an anti-depressant to combat the lows. | Have taken for a year and am now changing because the weight gain has created a new issue with my joints. | F | 38 | 15 months | 6/4/2008 | 3 | Atypical Bipolar | Beginning dose (1000mg. daily)-couldn't stay awake or focused! Swelling hands & legs and terrible itching w/light rash! | By cutting the dose in half (500 mg. daily)and adding Zyrtec for the itching and taking 1 and 1/2 Maxide tablets for swelling it has worked well to get my moods stabilized along with taking Seroquel for anxiety. However, after 2 and 1/2 months I have gained 15 lbs. but the worst problem is hair loss! Every time I brush or run my fingers through my hair it comes out in hand fulls! Enough so that I am not willing to continue taking it! I will discuss an alternative at my next psychiatrist appt.. | F | 58 | 3 months | 8/25/2008 | 3 | bipolar 2 | Immediate weight gain (15-20 pounds), fatigue, loss of interest, and decreased productivity. Four years after initiation of treatment, I am experiencing an alarming amount of hair loss. | Taking Depakote has compromised my ability to stay on top of my workload. The hair loss that I am experiencing now is really disturbing. | F | 43 | 4 years | 7/25/2008 | 3 | Migraine | About 15 minutes after taking Depakote, I experience very harsh abdominal pain which usally goes away soon after. I am horrible at remembering things. Mood swings! I also drop just about everying I put in my hand. | I thought that the only side affect was the abdominal pain, but after reading the other comments I realize that all of the other problems that I had been facing were side affects of the Depakote as well. | F | 19 | 3 months | 2/25/2009 | 3 | bipolar | thinning hair, drowsiness, swelling of hands and feet | This started off good but it is quickly going down hill. I have trouble staying awake. I sleep about 12 - 14 hours a day. I also have trougble eatting. I have to force a meal in each day. even though I'm not eatting I'm still puttin on weight. I also having some shaking and a inability to stay still. I hopig there is something better out there for me. Also, starting to feel really down again. | F | 31 | 1 months | 1/13/2009 | 3 | bipolar | thinning of hair, 20 lb weight gain | I am not sure if this is working with the other meds I am taking and I am not sure if all of the weight gain is from this or the lexapro and seroquel that I am taking. I do not get drowsy from the med so I guess it is doing it's job. | F | 37 | 3 months | 1/17/2009 | 3 | Bi-polar, anxiety | stomach pains-like I was being poisoned, hair sheds a bit more than normal, tired, can't remember what I was saying in the middle of a sentence, weight gain, constant dull headache, mild visual hallucinations, some ear-ringing | Liked Effexor XR much better combined with Topomax, but... have also tried abilify, seroquel, lithiam, and others I can't recall. The side effects are a trade-off for major mood swings. The Depakote (250mg am, 500mg pm & increasing)has definitly taken the edge off. Dislike having to get blood tests done. | F | 36 | 1 months | 3/31/2008 | 3 | migraine | Short term -- breast tenderness, change in menstrual cycle (mid-cycle spotting), stomach upset--these all went away after the first 2 weeks. Long term -- extreme tiredness, mood swings, curly hair. No weight gain or change in appetite. | I started on 250 mg of Depakote ER and went from five days a month without a headache to 18 straight days headache free. But then the number of headaches increased again, so went to 500 mg. Another 18 days headache free but increasing after that. Up to 750 mg and another 18 days headache free but every month the number of headaches increased until I was back at maybe 5 days a month headache free. I am now taking birth control pills that I can take 365 days a year since my migraines seem to be related to fluctuations in estrogen. I feel much better and cut the depakote back to 500 mg for a month. I only had 7 days with headaches and have now cut back to 250 mg without any problems except slight upset stomach. I'm very hopeful that regulating my hormones is what I need and can get off of the depakote totally. It might be too soon to tell. | F | 52 | 15 months | 4/8/2008 | 3 | Bipolar Disorger | Dizziness, restlessness, violent dreams, constant fatigue | F | 29 | 4 days | 4/15/2008 | 3 | Anxiety and depression | Right now I feel like I want to eat any and everything that is around me. My appetite has picked up. It does not make me sleepy at this time and I don't notice hair loss. I just started taking it and we will see how it works. I will be getting on a diet plan at this moment. I cannot afford to gain any weight. | F | 45 | 1 months | 12/11/2008 | 3 | bipolar disorder | hair loss and breakage, can't sleep at night, and anxiety. | F | 24 | 1 years | 1/25/2009 | 3 | Complex Migraine | Weight gain, little hair loss, tired, little depressed | I have lupus and very frequent complicated migraines, take many meds, nothing has every made me gain weight but this has, just starting 5th week. Migraines have decreased due to combo of depakote and prednisone. Very concerned about the weight gain. We'll meet with doc in 3 weeks to discuss. | F | 38 | 1 months | 12/16/2007 | 3 | seizure disorder | crazy sleepy! falling asleep in class and at 6pm everynight for awhile, clumsiness, uncontrollable appetite (it's all about the carbs!), 40 lb weight gain(mostly in the beginning), hair loss | Started when I was 13. I gained 20 lbs the first month. I would eat a meal and 10 minutes later felt like I hadn't eaten in days. I had a lot of trouble remembering to take the 3:00 dose. I always thought I was just a klutz, but after reading this, maybe it was the depakote? Sleepiness subsided, but my appetite never did. Watching out for carbs & working out helped alot. ER was better, but I ultimately switched meds. | F | 21 | 7 years | 11/28/2007 | 3 | Bipolar | Daily Migranes, Insomnia.. I'm taking lunesta &/or unisom & I still can't sleep some nights, I sleep 10+ hrs & am still fatigued, Verrry unusual dreams, My eye has been twitching the past 3days, Suddenly I got dandruff? My fingers & toes go numb sometimes, I had severe lower back pain 1 day so far, I noticed I can be forgetful at work, Deffinetly increased appetite which will lead to weight gain if it hasn't already. | My doc. prescribed me to zoloft & geodon, I had SEVERE side effects from the geodon to the point I stopped taking it on my own & just the zoloft but apparently the zoloft was making me extremely manic where I didn't sleep for 2-3 days at a time. She then switched me onto the depakote 250mg 2x a day since then I'd say my moods are pretty stable I have to go back & see her soon, she wants weekly-monthly blood tests done now? I'm not looking forward to that.. With reading everyones hair loss & EXTREME weight gain comments.. I'm not so sure if I want to stay on this anymore though :( I was also informed if I stopped taking this medication on my own like the geodon it was likely I could have seizures since this is a seizure medication also.. epp! | F | 22 | 3 weeks | 4/21/2007 | 3 | Mood Disorder/Depression | Was great for a year or so on 500 ER and Effexor, and Remeron, went into terrible depression and anxiety,prescribed Lamictal with it, felt great, hair started falling out IN CLUMPS, just went off it a few weeks ago and onto Tegretol XR 200 increasing to 400, so far feel good. | VERY VERY UPET THAT I WAS LOSING SO MUCH HAIR BECAUSE IT MADE MY HAIR SO CURLY AND BEAUTIFUL FOR THE 1ST TIME IN MY LIFE. Didn't notice a wight gain different from any other med and have been on most for depression, mood disorder, and anxiety and panic disorder. | F | 43 | 1 years | 5/1/2007 | 3 | Migraine prevention | significant weight gain and water retention. I gained about 30 pounds in the first two months, and it has nothing to do with increased appetite; my husband agrees that I am eating much less. | Oddly enough, although I read that it might cause hair loss, it has made my thin, fine hair a little thicker and a little curly. I was taking topamax, and it realy gave me trouble thinking; the depakote cleared that up, but with the other side effects, I'm looking for something else. I have constant migraine without any medication, and depakote has me down to a few a month, but I still have to make trips to the ER. | F | 40 | 6 months | 2/14/2007 | 3 | bi-polar | weight gain - some tiredness during day | I am so sick of goiing off and on meds but this seems to be working and I have gone back to work. 250 mg in am and 500 mg at nite | F | 50 | 30 days | 5/31/2007 | 3 | mixed state bipolar/add | Rapid and significant weight gain, carb cravings, mood flatness, some loss of libido, change in hair texture as well as hair loss. I can't tell if it has made my hair curlier, but it is definately finer and more prone to breakage. Depakote ER is at 1500 mg and Seroquell at 400 mg. Xanax 2-3 time per day. Adderall at 40 mg. Temazepam at 15 mg. | I have tried, from what I can remember, at least abilify, geodon, lamictal, topamax, seroquel, xanax, lexapro, adderall, temazepam, effexor, and zoloft. After my most recent episode, depakote and seroquell seemed to quiet the agitation and have leveled mood in general, xanax attended to the anxiety and temazepam lets me sleep. Often, when I don't have anything in particular to attend to, I feel flat. I paradoxically still have the occasional big jump or dump in mood, too. I am trying the South Beach to lose 50 lbs. I may try rogaine for my hair. I am going to ask my Dr. if I can reduce my dose of depakote. | F | 28 | 3 months | 5/4/2007 | 3 | seizures/Grand mal | I was on depakote for 12 plus years and I was seizure free. In the end, I was depressed and had weight gain. (10 lbs) I also had several other effects from depakote and I wouldn't recommend it long long term. I did experience some nausa, weight gain, hair thinning and loss, mood swings, major pms (that is for women) and weakness in my muscles. I think i might have a fatty liver now (according to my doctor) but i was completely seizure free on depakote and it did help my seizure control. I was on 750 a day. I think the worst side affects was the moods/depression/pms. | F | 37 | 12 years | 1/12/2005 | 3 | Epilepsy | So many to name! Hand tremors, weight gain, aches in body, tired all the time, can't sleep at night. | Considering Depakote is the only option I have been given for my epilepsy, I had no choice but to have my tubes tied. Can't have any more children. Depakote is the only medicine that has kept my seizures under control. Had since 16. | F | 26 | 3.5 years | 2/12/2004 | 3 | mood stabilizer | extreme fatigue- could not finish a short day without having to sleep in between, but it is getting better. i am also taking 80mg of prozac daily so i am not sure which side effects are from what. my tongue is currently broken out in bumps and cracks with the appearance of dark blackish veins on the underside. i do not know if this could have anything to do with my medication. | i have been doing much better since ive been taking it. no severe side effects, no hair loss as many mentioned. however some negative mental/emotional effects seem to be present. | F | 17 | 4 months | 3/22/2007 | 3 | Bipolar II- rapid cycling | Huge weight gain (40 lbs); low blood sugar | Helped balance out my moods; it is the only drug I can tolerate for bipolar II, but the weight gain is horrible. | F | 37 | 7 years | 4/20/2004 | 3 | Bipolar disorder | Massive weight gain, feeling like I had the flu, hair loss, significant memory loss, extreme fatigue | I did have some stability with this medication, but I gained 90 pounds in 7 months, and the side effects were almost intolerable. There was a long period of time when I could barely get out of bed. | F | 51 | 7 months | 5/19/2004 | 3 | BipolarDisorder | Serious weight gain, dry mouth, constipation, | it works well except for the weight gain | F | 22 | 2 years | 11/16/2003 | 3 | epilepsy | F | 36 | 4 years | 11/18/2003 | 3 | bipolar II mixed | ravenous appetite that led to uncontrolled eating, could not have orgasms even tho i got aroused and had a sex drive. the latter is not listed as a side effect in any literature, but the problem started very suddenly and right after i started the depakote. | it worked well for bipolar, but i couldn't tolerate the side effects. | F | 52 | 3 months | 5/15/2003 | 3 | they said i was unbalanced not sure | MASSIVE WEIGHT GAIN | well im really not sure if its the zoloft or the depakote...I think its the zoloft. I'm more content, more aware of myself and feelings. Less anxious. CONS: FAT FAT FAT AND UMM FAT. i weighed in at 140 now im 175. I cant fit any of my pants anymore. I joke about it but i am quite ashamed. my man loves me but i want to be comfortable in my skin. i now have a huge ass. | F | 27 | 4 months | 6/28/2006 | 3 | Bipolar II and BPD | chest pain, dizziness, spacing out | I've only recently started taking this medication, but I've noticed 2 fairly disturbing side effects of dizziness and spacing out. i can watch tv for two hours or so and it'll feel like only a half hour has passed. i can't drive because i can't piece together how fast cars are moving and how far away they are. also my short term memory is almost non-existent after about the 3rd day into taking it. however, it has improved my disorder quite a lot. | F | 18 | 10 days | 1/5/2007 | 3 | Mood Stabilizer (bi-polar?) | Major hair loss, already gained some weight, some trouble with balance -- I walk like I'm drunk -- and at times my eyes won't focus, tremors in one hand, major lethargy, inability to speak in complete sentences or remember things I know I knew. | I've only been taking this for three weeks and I think I want off ... it has stabilized my moods (at what cost?) and I think it has effected my thyroid. | F | 43 | 3 weeks | 7/26/2006 | 3 | Bi-Polar | I had EXTREME hair loss, tiredness, fatigue, depression worsened, nausea, hand tremors and anxiety | I would not take this drug because it really effects your liver. | F | 27 | 7 months | 8/8/2006 | 3 | Bipolar Disorder | I had some weight gain and too much hair loss. My daughter also tried Depakote. She also had weight gain and major hair loss over time before she realized what was causing it. | F | 45 | 6 months | 7/17/2005 | 3 | Bi polar disorder | F | 22 | | 10/2/2007 | 3 | Cellular Amitosis | I walked out of the door to go to my job the first day taking it, and my dog attacked me for no reason, then I heard a voice in my head saying "I attacked you because Depakote sucks" | Sucks. | F | 24 | 12 weeks | 3/10/2006 | 3 | dysphoric manic, anxiety | Mild nausea at first but that went away after the first week. No weight gain so far. I do feel a little more tired than usual and am sleeping longer, but for me that's a good thing as I'm usually very hyper and a terrible insomniac. | I'm not as anxious/fearful, haven't had any PAs and have even been able to cut down on xanax (just a little... from 2.5mg to 2mg) But I still think I'm just as irritable and bitchy though my husband says my temper doesn't seem as extreme/out of control as usual. I still feel pissed off much of the time though, like this med is handling the anxiety but not the agitation. I'm going to see the doc this week for a blood test and dose adjustment. I'm only taking a total of 500mg, divided into 2 doses and I'd like to add another dose and see what happens. I'll come back with an update in another month or two. | F | 56 | 26 days | 4/7/2007 | 3 | Basilar Migraines | Hair Loss, Drowsiness, Weight Gain | Prescribed to control basilar migraines that were increasing in severity and number. So far, only 1 migraine and it was less painful and of short duration. However, reading about all the side effects of this drug makes me nervous. I need to lose weight and have been cutting calories, but I'm steadily GAINING weight since taking depakote. It goes up 1/2 pound every other day or so. That's very stressful, but my migraines and auras were so scary that I'm accepting this side effect for now. My md said he may switch me to Topamax. Good luck to all. | F | 46 | 26 days | 2/19/2007 | 3 | bipolar disorder | dizziness, diarrhea, edema in feet and lower calves, unsteadiness & weakness while walking, increased appetite, incredible weight gain: 50 pounds in 9 months and see no end in sight | On the plus side, Depakote brought my mental state back from a severe depression to "myself." Last summer I couldn't function at all and needed a case manager to help me do the simplest things, and now I'm completely independent. | F | 48 | 6 months | 7/4/2006 | 3 | seizures | weight gain(15lbs total), hand tremors, extreme hair loss. My balance is very poor and I have to be careful at all times. TIRED!!!!! | With the side effects from this medicine and the side effects from my hyperthyroidism I'm not sure which medicine makes me feel the worse. | F | 29 | 8 months | 11/8/2005 | 3 | seizure | I was on it all my life n got taken off 3yrs ago.well after i lost all my teeth. From it n now doctors say that coould not cause it | F | 37 | 10 years 1500x2 | 12/17/2011 | 3 | Cyclothymia | Weight gain, hair loss. | After reading some of these comments, I realized that my functionality level is probably attributed to this as well. There are some days where I just don't feel like functioning at all, (I call these my dark days) and others I'm completely fine. Fortunately I am on disability so this does not affect my job. I'm going to talk to my doctor again. I went down to 750mcg, but that increased my moodiness. Maybe we'll see about tapering off altogether. | F | 34 | 3 years 1000 1X D | 12/5/2011 | 3 | manic depression | hair loss, heartburn, tired, lethargic. | At first, I really thought it was a wonder drug. No anxiety or sadness at all for the first 2 weeks. Now, I have put back on 15 lbs in one month, I have 0 energy, am lucky to leave the house. Some days I think this is worse than before. She just keeps upping my dosage. She took me off the geodon, which was hell, but now she wants to put me on lithium. I am 40 years old, with 2 teens, and I need something to cope with this lifelong battle of depression. | F | 40 | 4 weeks 500 3X D | 6/13/2011 | 3 | Bipolar/Migraines | No sex drive, weight gain | F | 22 | 8 years 500 3X D | 7/18/2011 | 3 | Bipolar | weight gain, forgetfulness, hand tremor Lithium also caused weight gain and hand tremor, but I had no forgetfulness. | If you have the choice, take lithium instead. I was on Li for 19 years and because you cannot take it longer than that (poss. kidney problems), I got stuck with this pill. My psych. said that Li has some antidepressant qualities while Depakote does not...just a mood stabilizer. | F | 45 | 300 4X D | 7/26/2011 | 3 | Bipolar | It worked great at first along side with adderall and viibryd. Once taken off viibryd I had SERIOUS nightmares and then stopped taking for a few days once I was back on an anti depressant. We will see how it goes tonight. | F | 25 | 4 weeks 250 | 3/19/2012 | 3 | Borderline Personality Disorder | Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome, Significant Hairloss, Weight Gain of about 60 pounds in one year with no dietary changes. | Depakote seems to help with my mood fluctuations, but the side effects for me are very significant and almost not worth it. Possible liver damage is a huge concern with this medicine. Works wonders for some, not as much for me. | F | 33 | 2 years | 11/20/2006 | 3 | bipolar | HUGE weight gain - 15 pounds in 1st month! Most of my hair fell out and almost constant fatigue - sleeping upwards of 12 hours a day. Also swelling of hands and shaky eyesight. | As with all drugs, it works better for some than others. For me, I'm still deciding whether the pro's (FAR less manic and depressive phases) outweigh the major con's. | F | 20 | 5 weeks | 10/18/2006 | 3 | bipolar | HUGE weight gain - 15 pounds in 1st month! Most of my hair fell out and almost constant fatigue - sleeping upwards of 12 hours a day. Also swelling of hands and shaky eyesight. I'm on 2000mg/day | As with all drugs, it works better for some than others. For me, I'm still deciding whether the pro's (FAR less manic and depressive phases) outweigh the major con's. | F | 20 | 5 weeks | 10/18/2006 | 3 | Bipolar I | HORRIBLE FATIGUE, increased lethargy/depression, weight gain, hair loss/change in texture, hand tremor, GRINDING of teeth at night (sore jaw) | It worked really well in managing a severe dysphoric mania that I experienced after the birth of my child. I am on 1000 mg and trying desperately to convince my doctor to let me be on just lithium and my anti-depressant. I cannot continue to function at this low energy level...especially with a toddler! | F | 28 | 2 years | 11/28/2006 | 3 | bipolar disorder | Extreme fatigue-in waves throughout the day. Funny taste sometimes. I see things out of the corners of my eyes(usually dark spots, movement)-not a big deal. Maybe a little weight gain, 5lbs. Hunger pangs! Worsened my depressed state once it got going, but upping my Effexor helped. | At 1000mgs/day, I can't make it through the day w/o extra sleep. I have noticed that when I skip my morning dose, it's easier staying awake each day. My experience has me believing that my fatigue is due to D-kote and I hope to lower my dosage. I have intense "I'd kill for a cheeseburger!" thoughts, but as I noticed the xtra lbs. I just made sure I didn't cave & watched what I ate--no more lbs. D-kote seems Effexor friendly. Although I'd rather NOT be asleep all the time & hope to ease that, Depakote has helped my BP symptoms. The extremes in my thinking/behavior have subsided. No more racing thoughts. Mentally, I'm good for a change. | F | 31 | 7 weeks | 5/14/2006 | 3 | Severe Migraines | Hair loss, extreme fatique at times | I have very thick hair so no one has been able to noticed my huge hair loss. I feel really tired all the time. Migraines are less than before and don't last for as long. I'm on 500mg and will likely go to 750mg in a few weeks. | F | 31 | 1 months | 6/20/2006 | 3 | bipolar 2 | Confusion, can't find words, lose track of what I'm saying mid-sentence, can't think clearly at times, hands shaky, brain fog--have to make lists to keep myself on track--vivid dreams which I remember, frequent waking during night, exhausted during day, loss of enjoyment at work, embarrassed because I feel like people look at me strangely when I can't express a thought--like someone with Alzheimers. | Was being treated for depression for 16+ years. New MD thinks the depression is secondary to bipolar 2. Depakote calmed my brain, which always seemed to be racing with thoughts, but my sleep quality is so poor with the constant dreaming and waking multiple times during the night, it's difficult to work. This drug would be fine if I could just stay at home, do very little, and not have to think straight. | F | 38 | 28 days 500mg 1X D | 6/15/2010 | 3 | bi-polar | visible tremor, hair thinning, weight gain, vivid dreams, tiredness, short term memory loss. | I am currently taking depo, but am looking to review the dose with my consultant. I am quite happy to put up with a number of the side effects as it has improved my mood, but I am very unhappy about the weight gain and this is now having a negative affect on my mood and I am developing a unhealthy attitude towards eating, and this worries me. I eat a healthy vegee diet exercise daily but have started to restrict the foods I eat, and have major guilt issues sometimes eating in secret outside of mealtimes, If a eating disorder is part of your symptoms don't take it. | F | 38 | 4 months 1500 2X D | 4/19/2010 | 3 | Constant Migraine | Horrible nightmares, irregular periods, some hair loss, sleepiness, increased appetite | I was switched from Topomax to Depakote to treat constant migraine pain. At 500mg each night it wasn't very effective at lowering the pain so my neurologist added 250mg in the morning. The pain is a bit lower but still not as low as on Topomax. On the plus side I have less confusion than I did on Topomax although I'm no longer working since the switch so it just may not be obvious. I've always had frequent dreams but I'm now having constant nightmares some of which leave me unable to sleep. Hair loss is annoying but okay. I find myself hungry only an hour or so after eating which is not terrible since I'm thin. | F | 36 | 3 months 500/250mg 2X D | 4/21/2010 | 3 | Bipolar | Brain fog: trouble remember the order of events, stupor, I stopped caring about things, felt cut off from my emotions, mentally numb, severe birth defects | Depakote did help with my ups and downs. Everything seemed to level out. I was no longer constantly suicidal, obsessive, or overwhelmingly depressed. I gained control over my impulses and fit in with my peers better. However, as a writer, I tanked. My ideas stuttered then stopped; I felt like I was a robot with out emotion. I just didn't feel anything, I was completely emotionally numb. I lost my fellowship from my inability to string a coherent story together, and had to give up my dream of being a writer. But I no longer attempt to kill myself. I'm not entirely sure the trade off is worth it. I stopped taking it when I accidentally became pregnant and miscarried. I knew it caused severe birth defects, and stopped taking it when I found out about the pregnancy, but it was too late. | F | 25 | 300 days 1500 1X D | 5/12/2010 | 3 | Bipolar II (depressive) | Drowsiness, fatigue, headache, weight gain (10lbs in 6 weeks), hair loss, short term memory loss and clouded thinking. All pretty "text book" side effects. Tremors in my hands. Also a lack of desire to get out of bed and do anything. Apathy. But could that be the depression? | Depakote has definitely stabilized my depressive mood swings. However I am still dealing with the depression. One of the side effects that bothers me the most is the tremors in my hands. I am constantly dropping things. I don't hold any glasses or ceramic mugs for fear of dropping/breaking things. I am always spilling things. If it doesn't have a lid... I always use two hands, like a child. UGH. But... that's the worst of it so far. I think this medication is okay. Let me put it this way: I'd rather be on this than Lithium. | F | 28 | 6 weeks 1500 1X D | 9/4/2010 | 3 | Bipolar II | Diminished ability to think, slowed down metabolism, reduced sexual drive, thinning of hair, weight gain. The worst are reduced ability to think which gradually is reduced towards the end of the 24 hour cycle. | It controls bipolar, but it feels like "brain death". For a very ambitious person who had a succeful track record this is a high toll to pay. I will "train my mind", as I am finding ways to coop better with this illness. And do not forget, even if you are alone in life, you can always have control of your illness, your doctors and meds, if you really really want to. | F | 43 | 5 years 1000mg 1X D | 8/18/2010 |