There are 406 ratings for the drug: DEPAKOTE in the Askapatient database.

Key to ratings for depakote: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine.

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Rating	Reason	Side Effects	Comments	Sex	Age	Time Taken and Dosage		Date Added
				F  M
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5	Bi-Polar	The only side effect I have is that my period has stopped. My breasts are sore and tender. Almost mimicking pregnancy, however even though I had a tubal 3 yrs ago, I still took a test. negative whoohoo	This medication has been a miracle drug for me. I am 32 yrs old and until 3 weeks ago never really lived a single day of my life. I was recently hospitalized for another suicide attempt. Doc put me on Depakote within 3 days I felt like a different person. I wanted things, wanted to shower, wanted to walk, wanted to take care of my family. Upon coming home over the next week or so I had so much energy i felt as though I had lost 100lbs. My appetite has decreased (i am overweight so this is a good thing) I am consistent, concentration is better, no feelings of hopelessness. If I know something is coming up that may be difficult I am worried but I dont do the "freak-out" I know it will be hard, but also will be ok. THANK YOU DEPAKOTE YOU SAVED MY LIFE	F	32	4 weeks 500 2X D		6/22/2010
5	Mania	Heartburn that comes and goes.	Nothing beats this drug. Nothing. Blows Lamictal out of the water. I have been in some of the most stressful situations one can conjure up, with nowhere to run and hide, and this drug I can count on. It works.	M	29	5 years 250mg 3X D		6/1/2010
5	atypical migraines	slight hair loss, weight gain, drowsiness	Depakote has helped me so much. I started to experience light- enduced atypical migraines about a year ago, and it got continually worse. I would experience tunnel vision and severe dizziness when exposed to bright lights on stage and while driving, especially at night. After I started depakote, the migraines completely ceased. The drowsiness has slightly affected my life, seeing as I'm a college student with very early classes. The weight gain and minor hair loss I can deal with, I'll just have to start running and eating a bit better! It's so nice to not have that constant fear of having another episode. I highly recommend this drug for people with similar symptoms.	F	20	5 months 250 2X D		5/9/2010
5	Bipolar	mild stomach pain when beginning/raising dosage.	This drug was a miracle drug for me. Bipolar disorder is terrible. I spent 2 years before i was put on this drug and it works fantastically. It gets rid of the headaches, stops the mansism. And it regulates you brain. A++	M	26	4 months 1000mg 1X D		4/18/2010
5	Unstable Moods	The first 6 months I put on a few pounds, maybe 5. I adjusted after that.	I can't believe some of the negative posts here. PCOS, yeah, everyone has known about that for years, get over it. Dilantin is definitely more dangerous as are other AED'S and check out the rashes associated with Lamictal. The rashes and lack of anti manic effects of Lamictal are documented and undeniable. This drug was discovered in 1882, synthesized in 1963 and first marketed in 1967 Euro, 1983 USA. Every side effect has been published. This med has too many positives to list but I am sure the next post will be a 1 rating with a PCOS warning and death and dying listed as side effects probably. I advise the Extended Release version and ignore the maniacal negatives. It may not work but it sure as hell won't kill you. Look it up.	M	37	10 years 250mg 3X D		3/2/2010
5	Migraine Prevention	I did have some moderate hair loss--but it was also right after I had a baby, so it's hard to tell if that was all post-pregnancy related, or was due to the Depakote.	Take at night to avoid any side effects, so I have had none. In the time I have been on Depakote, I have had 2 break-thru migraines in a 10 month period, which is great for me.	F	34	10 months 250mg 1X D		3/1/2010
5	Migraine prevention	The only side effect I had was when performing fine motorized skills such as typing on my computers keyboard like now. My fingers or hands twitch. I keep hitting the same key over, or, I'll hit wrong keys. It drives me crazy but the consequences are worse.	My migraines were familial (inherited) and atypical (not typical)I had them as long as I could remember. I get turned into an invalid. My mother & one brother got same thing, sometimes everyday for a while. When afflicted I was like a mind without a body. I knew what was going on arround me but couldn't walk or talk. I had one migraine 2 days after my first Depakote. I haven't had a migraine since. I only take 500 mg. every day.	M	56	4 years		10/13/2009
5	bipolar II	weight gain, thinning hair, though i'm taking remeron too, so not sure it might me from that one too	taking 2000mg. The drug is beautiful, minor side effects, though it doesn't control my mood swings completely, i still can take only 7,5mg of remeron for my depression daily, be on casein/sugar/gluten/caffeine free diet, and control my binges, otherwise it doesn't help much	F	24	3 years		10/5/2009
5	Bipolar Disorder	Slight Drowsiness	I was experiencing extreme paranoid delusions which led to an extended hospital stay. My doctor put me on Geodon 120mg/day and Depakote 1000mg/day. The delusions went away and I was able to resume life as normal, but I was extremely tired for the first two or three hours of the morning until I stopped taking Geodon. Now that I am only taking Depakote I feel much more stable and in control.	M	30	8 months		10/2/2009
5	Bipolar Disorder	I did have to get over some initial side effects of stomach upset. I felt tired at times in the begining which was actually good. I would rather be calm and a bit tired than freaking out.	All I can comment on is how it works for me and for me it's great.	F	27	5 years		9/11/2009
5	bipolar II	weight gain, memory loss, depression and anxiety	Depakote decreases levels of acetyl l-carnitine which is an amino acid that plays several important roles in the human body; It helps to reduce anxiety, depression, improve weight loss and inhance memory. Acetyl l-carnitin could be found in red meat and dairy. Your body can produce a very small amount of L-Carnitine on a daily basis. But since I'm vegetarian and have been taking depakote for years, guess what? I've been suffering from anxiety disorder and depression for years and was treatmnet resistant. Since I started taking acetyl l-carnitin, my mood has significantly improved and anxiety disappeared. I did research it says people who take anti seasure drugs should take high doses of acetyl l-carnitine. I hope it helps someone.	F	24	5 years		7/30/2009
5	cyclothymia (mild bipolar disorder)	Only on 375 mg/day. Some stomach upset at first (a probiotic was suggested by my doc, which remedied the issue), drowsiness, mild appetite decrease. Nothing major. Have read that most major side effects occur above the 1000mg dosage.	So far so good. My biggest complaint is drowsiness, but I am also taking klonopin with it which my psychiatriast says is known to cause drowsiness when taken together. We are attempting to tweak the dosing time to remedy the issue. Otherwise, I am happy with it. This is the first drug that controls my moods without inducing mania (antidepressants do that to me) and it has no effect on my sex drive nor has it caused me to gain weight (everytime I take antidepressants I encounter rapid weight gain and sexual side effects). Absolutely zero weight gain so far. Not every drug is for everyone but this one seems to work for me.	F	28	3 months		7/20/2009
5	Mania	Occasional drowsiness but I am a hyper type guy so I don't mind.	My Dr. stopped my Depakote and put me on Lamicatal a few years back and that was a big mistake. I had all kinds of problems on Lamictal. Fights with co-workers, cosmetic problems and general anger. Depakote is not perfect but it calms me down day in and day out. I am staying with it. I have to.	M	33	7 years		6/22/2009
5	Hypomania	I take 3 250mg tablets of Depakote Er per day. Sometimes I get a get a little shaky for a few minutes. Other than that nothing really.	I have not gained any weight. I think my body is just used to it. It never stops working for me and is effective. The generic form that just came out in 2009 did not work as well for me so I pay a higher co-pay. It's worth it.	M	29	4 years		5/17/2009
5	Bipolar 2	stomach burning like hunger pains, wake up once every night at 2 am, some twitching	I think that it saved my life. I have been misdiagnosed for 12 years (was diagnosed as depressive with ADHD). Depakote started working after only a few days. Was scared because I thought that meds would change my personality..... it has, but in a positive way. I am able to process information and concentrate better. My energy level has levelled out. Was afraid that I would be considered boring now, but friends and family are so happy that I am no longer self destructing. My thoughts are no longer crazy and out of control. I have control over my impulses. I don't get obsessed.	F	32	30 days		4/15/2009
5	seizures	weight gain, hair loss, i get shaky at times, and possible tooth decay.	I have been on Depakote for almost 3 years now. I have not had one single episode since I have been on this drug. It had it's bad side effects at the beginning but my hair is back to normal and I got back to my normal weight or around my normal weight.	F	18	3 years		4/7/2009 Email
5	Mood	Sometimes tired.	I'll keep it brief and tell the truth, it's been great for 10 years. The drug deserves a higher rating and it's a shame someone can post 'taken 1 day, caused PCOS'. Read the side effects and ask your Dr. Every drug has warnings and nothing is being hidden about this drug.	M	30	10 years		4/1/2009
5	bipolar	the drug has completly balanced my moods and cured my depression but weight gain, swelling of hands arms and legs a problem also extreme tiredness. going to docs for advice on weight gain.		F	50			3/23/2009 Email
5	migraine	Hungry, sleepy, lack motivation, sore breasts, indigestion, poor night time sleep, memory disabled.	It took away my daily migraine that imitrex couldn't. I get vascular spasm as well as dilated, migraine. They have to be treated differently and would vacillate from one to the other. Imitrex for dilated would take only part away, then vascular spasm would set in and I'd still have a terrible headache. Would have to dilate the spasm and eventually use imitrex again. Depakote at 250 mg stopped them completely. Still have to be careful with about 50 different triggers, but at least I can do that, and I'm headache free. I hate the side effects though and may try soon after taking Depakote for about a month, to see if I can taper off of it and still not have daily migraine. I want to use as little of it as possible. Hair loss for me hasn't been too bad, but sleep is not good, 3 good hours a night, then light sleep off and on, so am tired in the daytime. Lack motivation, but can make myself do what I have to. Gained 15 pounds in the month I've been taking it and I'm a very disciplined eater normally. I eat very low calorie, but when you're hungry, you're hungry. Hoping to lose the weight working in my yard, flowers, this spring.	F	60	4 weeks		3/22/2009
5	Epilepsy	None known.	I have been taking sodium valporate for over thirty years and have not had any significant side effects. While taking the medication I completed two undergraduate degrees and one graduate degree from a top 10 university. I have my CPA and work for a Fortune 500 software company developing accounting software. I don't suffer any ill effects that I am aware and I don't think the drug has limited me.		48	30 years		3/13/2009 Email
5	Severe Migraines	Some what sleepy for the first few months, can't complain about hair loss cause It's hereditary for me. Minor weight gain. While taking this medicine my doctor has directed me to have a blood test once a year in order to monitor my liver function. Which has been fine.	I take a 1000mg dose of Depakote ER every day in the form of to 500mg pills. I suffered all the way through High school and much of my early 20's with horrendous severe Migraines. I tried using several different medications that are used to terminate migraines that are often dangerous and in some cases can cause severe heart problems such as Imitrex, Migranal and Zomig. All of these drugs for whatever reason were unable to offer me any relief and failed to terminate the migraine as they promised to do. I used to suffer from 2 severe migraines a month with each one lasting about 8 hours of excruciating pain. Now I am cured!!! I have not had a single Migraine for two years!!! For someone like me the side effects are well worth it and very minor in comparison to severe migraines that would often times have me huddled into a fetal position and feeling like some one had a chain saw on the back of my head. I think it is important for people who suffer from migraines to consider Depako	M	25	2.5 years		2/24/2009
5	Anxiety & Agitation	The first few weeks and they were minor. I expected worse and have never had bouts of intolerable side effects.	I don't take a high dose. 750mg a day in the extended release form makes a big difference for the better.	M	36	5 years		2/18/2009
5	SEVERE MIGRAINES	Hair loss and some weight gain.	Even though I've had these side effects...it's far better than 13 severe migraines within 22 days. Since being on Depakote at only 500mg a day...I have had 1 severe migraine in 6 months.	F	43	6 months		1/21/2009
5	Unipolar depression/aniety	Major Hair Loss, Tremors, sleepy all the time.	It has really helped me with a good deal of my issues. I may have to quit taking the drug because of the hair loss and that makes me a bit sad.	F	31	6 days		11/12/2008
5	Bipolar	Hair thinning, some weight gain (very small amount)	I really believe in this drug. It is important, at least for me, to take the drug at the correct time each day. Do not skip doses. I was on Lithum (spelling) for about a year . . . 20 years back, it did not work for me. I can really focus with Depakote. I am not happy with my hair, but I LOVE my life now. The correct dosage is really important. Work with your doctor.	F		15 years		11/11/2008
5	Bipolar	A little sleepy sometimes, comes and goes.	I am sane without being a drooling idiot. A+	F	29	3 years		9/26/2008
5	Anxiety & Mood	I had some sluggushness at first and gained about 5 lbs. Some occasional heartburn and slight tremor.	I found that my body adjusted to the side effects as time went on. I returned to my normal weight. Occasional heartburn but the benefits have been great. I only take 750mg of the extended version and have for 8 years. I like that I never get rashes or nervous with this drug and it always seems to work. My co-pay is 10 dollars more but it's worth it.	M	36	8 years		9/14/2008
5	Mood Swings	Once in awhile some acute agitation about something minor. It corrects itself in minutes though. This med is like brakes on car for my mind. It stops the bad from getting real bad.	I was able to make rational decisions and was not the least bit foggy at 750mg per day of the ER version. Compared to the confusion and rashes and acne from Lamictal and other AEDs this med has been great. No IQ drop at all. People have different reactions I guess, judging by the previous post.	M	25	3 years		7/18/2008
5	BiPolar II	None really.	I like this drug. I don't break out and my memory and focus are fine.	F	33	5 years		7/10/2008
5	Anxiety and Mood Disorder	Some heartburn, that's about it.	Life saver for me. Trusted for a decade with no weight gain.	F	29	10 years		7/1/2008
5	Bipolar/Anxiety	Some heartburn at first and occasional slurred speech.	It works ok for me. My copay is higher for the extended release version but I need this to keep my brain normal.	F	29	4 years		4/12/2008
5	SPS	None with Depaote Extended Release.	This drug has the BEST side effect profile for anticonvulsants when it comes to cognitive impairment and DERMATOLOGIC reactions. Look it up.	M	31	10 years		3/8/2008
5	Bipolar/Anxiety	At first some weight gain (10lbs.) but my body adjusted after about 6 months and ultimately I have dropped a couple pounds in the last 8 years.	I have confidence in it and it works for me, no doubt about it.	M	35	8 years		1/25/2008
5	Epilepsy (grand mal)	Started taking at age approx 25, replacing Phenitoin and others. Under names Epilim (UK) and Depakote (mainland EUR) I had no side effects (young active male, burning off excess calories was no problem !). Depakote in US resulted in a 10-15 lb/year weight gain (about 160 lb in total !). Switched to the Extended Release version in may of 2007 and lost about 25 lb in the rest of 2007 - including the Christmas feeding season!	I've been taking this since I was about 25. I can trigger a seizure by combing a blood sugar low, fatigue (from lack of sleep), and considerable alcohol intake. Naturally, I try not to, but parties happen to all of us :) Now I've quit drinking I shouldn't have this problem. For about 2 years I had a problem maintaining terapeutic level, coincident with point of maximal weight gain.	M	52	25 years		1/21/2008 Email
5	Bi Polar I	Bit sleepy (increased the lethargy I felt from 600mg Seroquel),mild hair loss and believe may be causing stomach cramps/painful periods.	Really helped with mood stabilising. Manic episodes minor and down from 15+ a year to a max of 5. Wouldn't consider anything else.	F	37	18 months		1/20/2008 Email
5	Migraines	Weight gain (45 lbs), crazy dreams and sluggish reaction	After 6 mos. of daily migraines, my neurologist put me on Topamax. I gave it a good effort of about 8 months but I had to give up daily life. I lost 20 lbs and my hair. After weaning off the Topamax, my doc put me on Depakote ER 500 mg, she added Inderal after a couple months. My hair has come back but it is "perm" curly, I have gained 45 lbs. My docs have been diligently treating me since 7/06 but it worked. I average 2 migraines per month now and after 3 months of cutting back on the Depakote and Inderal, my neurologist had taken me off it. Also, for those who suffer from migraines, check out allergies (find a doc who will also look at delayed allergies), TMJ, etc... I found I had delayed allergies to beans (all beans) Also, STAY AWAY FROM KNOWN TRIGGERS. All I can say, is search for good docs and research, research, research!!!!!	F	45	10 months		12/21/2007 Email
5	SPS/Anxiety	slight tremor that went away.	I have better focus and feel like I am not going in 10 directions at once. I'm glad I did not see this site sooner or I would have been worried. I took Dilantin for 3 years and was unpredictable and angry although it worked. Within 3 days of Lamictal I broke out all over and had to take a medrol pack. 5 years on depakote er and no problems. Forgot what it was like to be nervous all the time which is good.	M	28	5 years		12/11/2007
5	hypomanic	absolutely no side effects	its a great experience ,i feel cool,calm and composed,no racing thoughts,no flight of ideas,i used to feel like "volcano" in my head ,i use to have too much of sex ,now after depakote my mind is icy,really a sweet drug that makes you calm	M	35	10 days		12/9/2007
5	Abnormal EEG Anxiety	I had some stomach and weight (10lb) side effects I would say for a good year. I have always taken 750mg or the ER version and that's been about 7 years.	In my case it just seems like it still works great but the side effects have gone away. I take a multi-vitamin and excercise but the excercise has just been recent, not for weight issues. I also take 20 mg prozac with it. I am grateful that my body adjusted and it it always works. It is dependable.	M	31	8 years		11/8/2007
5	Bipolar	Nothing really	Really helps with anxiety and mood swings	F	40	2 years		10/9/2007
5	Anxiety	Mild heartburn once or twice a week after taking it.	Works great.	M	29	3 years		9/27/2007
5	JME seizures	Weight gain, loss of coordination (can't ride a bicycle anymore), extreme hair thinning and loss, fatigue, swelling on left side of my body (esp. in feet and fingers), manic depression	Despite all the crappy side effects, it is the only medication that has ever worked on me. I have tried Keppra, Lamictal, and Toppamax because of the possible defect risks if my husband and I decide to try for a baby, but have had seizures on all of them.	F	22	8 years		9/25/2007
5	Anormal EEG/Mood	An occasional strange combination of my brain being very calm/tired but my body wanting to walk and move around. Occassion tremor which is mild and short. Conciously stare and think for long periods of time once in a while as if I was zoned out but increased alertness day to day.	I like this drug a lot because it works without creating crazy rashes or mood swings like other AED's I have taken. I never have to worry about being nervous. Have not gained weight in years.	M	33	9 years		8/26/2007
5	Migraine	My usual dosage was 250mg a day and it was excellent at preventing migraines. In the summer I had to take 500 mg. Very effecive. I was on it for 15 years--Depakote in the States for 5 years and Depakene in Canada for 10 years. (I was never diagnosed as Bi-Polar.) However, when I went off of it, I had what turned out to be a transient manic episode. I had a bad couple of weeks. For the first three days after getting off the drug, I was manic but not severely so--running around doing things and hap-hap-happy. But a few days later my brain was making extremely strange connections i.e. I lit a lighter under my dog's neck thinking it was a leash and I thought a garden trowel would quench my thirst. Also, I pulled into traffic when I consciously knew it was not the time to pull out but my brain told me it was. Luckily, I "came to" before I got hit by a passing car. It was very scary and extremely upsetting. It has now been about 2 months and all the scary stuff is over with.	Migraine patients, take care when stopping the medication.	F	55	15 years		8/18/2007
5	Bipolar disorder	Drowsy and foggy, especially at the beginning, but quickly adapted. Slow, steady weight gain of about 40lbs (first time overweight in my life), but with lots of exercise and some mild diet-watching (must... resist... carbs... ) have been able to reduce that down to about 10lbs. Also my straight hair turned wavy about 10 years ago. Now I know why.	Works very well on my bipolar disorder. I take 2x500ER right now; once the pharmacist screwed up and halved my dosage, and about 2 weeks later I bought a Lamborghini (I'm serious). Still have relatively controllable hypomania but manageable so long as I don't skip meds.	M	40	11 years		8/9/2007
5	Anxiety	No weight gain or hair loss. Nothing negative.	This acts almost like a modulator for my brain. When I start to maybe get anxious, it brings be back to normal within minutes. If I am ever depressed or obsessing, I can come out of it within 24 hours. I could not ask for anything more. I have never felt 'high' though or buzz like so if that's what you are looking for I don't see it with Depakote ER.	M	40	10 years		8/4/2007
5	Chorea/anxiety	Stability of mood. Nothing really negative	This med crushed the anxiety that plagued me for over 10 years. I have energy and never get nervous anymore. It's eerily good. My Dr. says there is a big difference between men and women taking this drug. In his experience, women have more side effects ie; weight, hair loss. I love it. 750mg ER per day.	M	35	8 years		8/3/2007
5	Cough/exertional headache	TERRIBLE leg cramps at night, lethargy, nightmares and very strange dreams, weight gain, tremor.	Started with 1000mgm/day, went up to 2500mgm/day with but minimal relief, then increased to 3000mgm/day about two months ago. Still only minimal relief from really devastating headaches every time I coughed, sneezed, cleared my throat, bent over or exerted myself. About 3 weeks doc added Diamox (acetazolamide) to the mix and, voila!, it's as if a miracle has occurred. The cough headache syndrome is caused in part by increase cerebro-spinal fluid in the brain and the Diamox (a diuretic) reduces it just enough to, in essense, eliminate the headache. It, too, has some side effects - frequent urination, including at night, lethargy, depressed appetite, but a small price to pay.	M	68	6 months		6/13/2007 Email
5	depression	i was on 500MG twice a day for impulsive behaviors and it did wonders for me. some time went by and it wasnt working as well so i was up to 500MG 3 times a day, but the bad side effect for me was alot of weight gain!! 25lbs in just a few months, i never even weighed this much when i was pregnant with either one of my kids or after pregnancy. because of the weight gain, my doc has started me on lamictal, and im winging off of depakote slowly. lamictal has no side affects of weight gain, i hope to loose all this weight soon!		F	24	5 months		6/8/2007 Email
5	manic depression	I have not experienced major weight gain (yet). I have only had one tremor in my hands in the beginning which lasted for about 2 mnutes. I do have VERY strange dreams and sometimes nightmares, which I don't care for but... My hair has not fallen out, and my libido is better than before. I have noticed that it is harder for me to wake up in the morning but, who actually wants to get up early in the morning?	I have been on Depakote 1000mg (in the morning), plus 20mg of Prozac, and .5mg of Xanax, 3x per day, which I usually only take the first Xanax of the day and that seems to be enough for me. I have been on this regimen for about 6 months now. I think that this combo has been a God-send for me because I have more energy and less stress than I ever had in my life so far. I realize that the Xanax has a LOT to do with that! Since I have been on this combo, I have done much better at work, started school again, and started a part time job doing things I really enjoy doing. To be honest, I drink about 8-12 beers a night and it hasn't seemed to affect my meds, although I'm sure it is placing extra strain on my liver. I have loved the Depakote so far. I have been on Zoloft, Effexor, and numerous anti-depressants over the last few years and Depakote is the only one that feels "clean" to me and doesn't make me feel like a moody basket case! I have NOT gained a lot of weight, nor	M	40	6 months		5/12/2007 Email
5	Major Depression (Poss. Bipolar II	Appetite/weight gain and significant hand tremor (the latter may also be related to the Imipramine I take with it). Note that my dosage is a relatively high 1500 mg./day.	Addition of Depakote to my antidepressant has given me the most consistent relief from severe depressive episodes I've had in years.	M	50	2 years		5/4/2007
5	bipopar disorder and migraines	weight gain is the biggest one I notice	has cured me of migraines, I use to be on Lithium and had migraines for almost 10 years. However, weight gain has been hard to shed, hard to distinguish exact cause	F	31	4 months		5/1/2007 Email
5	Mood/Slight EEG abormalities	I have not gained weight or lost any hair but I only take 750mg of the extended release. What I notice ometimes is that my mind is very calm but I feeling like moving around. Also, occasional slurred speech.	No cognitive impairment is big for me. I have taken Dilantin, Tegretol and Lamictal. Lamictal sucked, Tegretol gave me acne I never had before so that was bad. Dilantin was OK but Depakote ER is much better to me. I never took the regular version but I hear the side effects are worse with those.	M	35	7 years		4/30/2007
5	Myoclonic Jerks/Chorea	It always seemed like I was excited before taking this and worried about a sudden movement or non stop twitching. It really slows the abnormal electrical activity as evidenced by EEG's. Seem more focused, sometimes get angry. Hair is thick. Sometimes a tremor, lasts 10 or less minutes off and on.	I hve taken Dilantin, Tegretol, Lamictal, Topomax, Neurontin. All of them either created a rash, lower IQ, nervousness or erratic moods. Depakote has never done this, I guess what I mean is my cognitive ability seems as good or better than with nothing and I think it's awesome	M	24	3 years		4/28/2007
5	Anxiety	Not much because it helped so much. Once in while maybe a slight tremor. Same weight as before.	Maybe I am just a lucky one who does not get anxiety as a side effect. This makes me confident and controlled beyond belief. I take it with Remeron to help me sleep. Greatest drug I have ever taken. Dosage 250mg 3x a day Extended Release.	M		7 years		4/28/2007
5	Bipolar	Slight weight gain managed by diet and excercise. Constant lower back pain. Some hair loss.	I have never been this alive in my entire life. The side effects suck but i'm willing to worth around them/with them because this drug works for me and i've tried many others over the past 10 years. This medication isn't just one that "makes" you not sad by numbing you to the world, it helps to get you to a place where you can make yourself happy. There is a difference!	F	21	2 months		4/23/2007 Email
5	Bipolar I	Weight gain (40 pounds); very sleepy in the morning. I take one in the morning and one in the evening (500 mg).	This drug really helped me to stabilize. I lost my depression, and am feeling great! I don't like the side effects, and am trying to take an appetite suppresant to lose the weight. I'm going to go down to only 500 mg a day and I hope to continue the same feelings--creativity and no depression.	F	41	6 months		4/18/2007 Email
5	Bipolar Disorder/Manic	Weight gain, memory loss, slight swelling of feet and hands and decreased libido.	I was first put on this medicine after a severe breakdown. The difference is night and day. I am lost without this medication! I am now completely stable, manic phase has completely vanished and for the first time in my life I feel like a normal person. Thoughts are clear, emotions are controlled. I take this along with Klonopin for anxiety and Trazadone for sleep disorder. Depakote works with both medications and I feel it's a miracle drug. The side effects are well worth it.	F	26	4 years		4/17/2007
5	Mood	They were all pretty mild. I take the ER version 750mg a day. I like the way it effects my mind. It calms everything down but my body still wants to move. I don't get confused and I sometimes tend to over analyze details which is OK.	It helps me greatly.	M	35	7 years		4/16/2007
5	Bipolar II	Significant weight gain (50 lbs in 1 yr, but weight has stabilized & have lost 5 lbs). Major hair loss; hair grew back in a short period of time and has better texture & appearance than before (made my hair curly). Excessively tired & some days feel like I'm moving in slow motion. Vivid dreams that can interfere with sleep. Mild tremors of arms/hands.	I take 1000mg Depakote ER at bedtime in combination with Neurontin 600mg for mood stabilization. Before starting these meds I had almost lost the ability to function. I was severely manic, pyschotic, delusional and I was extremely agitated and lashing out at everyone. Now my mood is stable. I am at peace and content. The side effects only seem like a minor inconvenience to me now. I feel like I live a different life now, like I'm a complete person.	F	43	1 years		4/16/2007
5	benzo withdrawal, anxiety, mania?	none	After 10+ years of taking Xanax for panic attacks and anxiety I had become addicted. 2000mg of Depakote daily helped me go from 4mg Xanax a day to none in 6 weeks. I'm now taking a lower dose of Depakote alone and I feel better than I have in years. Maybe I was misdiagnosed? At any rate, I'm going to stick with Depakote	M	30	4 months		4/13/2007
5	mood swings	None now. While in search of right dosage, titrating too high made me unusually hungry but when I tapered back to 1000mg/day, my appetite returned to normal. I don't think I've gained any weight in the 5 years I've been taking this drug - my 2002 jeans still fit.	I love this stuff, it makes me feel "normal." I have enough energy to do what I want to do with no megamoodswings.	F	41	5 years		4/11/2007
5	Bi-Polar II	So far none!	Love this drug! Yes, I have a mild bipolar issue, mostly depression, but this drug also cured my daily headaches and Trigeminal Neuralgia. What a god send! The decrease in daily pain has probably done more for my mental health than all the Anti-D's ever did.	F	50	8 months		4/11/2007
5	bipolar disorder, anxiety	None	I take 2 500MG doses of DepakoteER per day along with an antidepressant and antipsychotic. I had been taking Lithium but Depakote is much more effective for me without the side effects.	F	39	4 years		4/9/2007
5	bipolar	None. No nausea possibly because I titrated up very slowly from 250mg/day and always take it with food. I haven't gained any weight or lost any hair. I'm on a relatively low dosage of 750mg/day which works well for me.	I'm bipolar but with many more manic than depressed episodes and my depressions were usually irritated, angry things. Depakote evens out my moods; things don't get to me as much and I'm coping with life much better. I wish I'd found it sooner!	F	35	1 years		4/8/2007
5	grand mal seizures	major weight gain(25 Lbs.) sleeping 11-12 hours a day, tremors in hands, joint and muscle pain.	Depakote works well at controlling seizures, but the side effects are terrible.The newer drugs don't work as well, and have just as many side effects	F	49	1 days		3/30/2007
5	Seizures	Nothing noteworthy	Never had a seizure on it.	F	39	13 years		3/26/2007
5	Simple partial seizures	i had heartburn that was mild for abut a week	i like it	M	20	1 years		3/26/2007
5	Gran Mals	Was hungry at first but this went away, have not gained weight. Works like Dilantin but I am more stable, less jumpy than when I was on Dilantin.	I have to take something. This works the best for me	M	27	4 years		3/26/2007
5	Anxiety / Mood Swings	Mild heartburn. Occassional tremor. Modest compared to why it is prescribed.	I take the extended release 750mg a day and the occassional heartburn that lasts 10 minutes or the occassional tremor that hangs around for about an hour are worth it. The positives are how my anxiety and mood swings are suppressed without knocking me out. A real normalizer. I like it and actually weigh less than I did 5 years ago.	M	34	5 years		3/25/2007
5	epilepsy	none that i know of. i have been taking this since i was 15 years old, So, anyside effects are just part of "me"	I have been taking this drug for my epilepsy for 20 years. I love it!! it works for my petit mal and grand mal seizures. I have only had 1 seizure since taking Depakote... a new dr. had taken me off it, it took 4 days before i had a seizure. i will never go off it as long as i live.	F	36	20 days		2/16/2007
5	daily migraines	Some sleepiness, but it's getting better.	I started on Depakote ER after waking up in the morning with a migraine 17 days in a row. Never even read up on it until now, but I was in so much pain, I would have swallowed cow dung if I thought it would give me relief. I'm now 8 days in a row headache free! I'm up to 500 mg a day, and see the doc next week to have my liver function checked out. Weight gain and hair loss? Great, my two worse nightmares! Right now, I'm a fan of the drug, but my doctor said he might switch me to Topomax.	F	50	12 days		10/28/2006
5	Simple Partials/BP II	Some lethargy at first but actually increased energy after taking it sometimes. Positive effects on mood and anxiety.	Must be better for men than women from what I read, I take 750mg a day in the Extended Release version and have really no side effects. Helps me out a lot. I like it because I do not get nervous or panicky AT ALL anymore and that is big for me. Every other anticonvulsant I have tried gave me some type of anxiety or confusion or cognitive problems. After 5 years on Depakote, well it's just been great.	M	41	5 years		10/26/2006
5	Epilepsy (tonic clonic seizures)	Moderate hair loss, mild weight gain (5 lbs ?), mild tremors and balance issues.	I've been on depakote so long I can't really remember what it's like not to be taking it. About two years ago my neurologist switched me over to the Depakote ER, which has really been a blessing, since I couldn't remember to take the stuff twice a day before. It really controls my seizures--but I also know what factors induce seizures... for me, they're: alcohol, lack of sleep, flashing red lights, and stimulants. But usually I have to combine a few of these AND have missed a few doses of the meds before I have a seizure. Overall, I've been very satisfied with Depakote. The side effects are mild compared to all the awful things that can happen when a person has a seizure... Just remember: it's not always the seizure itself that does you harm, but what you're doing when you have the seizure... driving, swimming, walking alone at night etc. And make sure you take the medication regularly--that's the name of the game. Consistency.	F	24	12 years		9/20/2006
5	Bipolar II	Weight gain, itchy/dry scalp (don't know if my hair has fallen out because I have VERY thick hair)	Since recently being diagnosed with Bipolar II, this stuff has made a 100% improvement in my life. After trying what seems like a zillion antidepressants, none of which worked, depakote worked after only 2 tablets. I use it in combination with Cymbalta, as the Cymbalta doesn't completely control my depressive episodes. I'm only on 500 mg/day, but it seems to be working very well. I finally feel like I'm on the right track!	F	49	3 weeks		9/7/2006 Email
5	Bipolar disorder	minor hair loss, minor swelling of hands and feet	have not had my first blood test yet, i guess we will see then,but i know i can't live with the symptoms before taking depakote. i worry about the liver and and other major side effects maybe the lesser of two evils?	F	41			8/31/2006
5	Simple Partials	Next to none compared to Dilantin and Lamictal. Dilantin was not 100% effective and really lowered my IQ while adding hyperactivity. Lamictal was horrible, sweating and nervousness. Calm, cool and confident on Depakote ER.	This drug is the best. Take 750mg ER per day.	M	34	5 years		7/24/2006
5	Epilepsy	Initally some tiredness and minor weight gain. These, however, are side effects I've experienced with every anti-seizure medication I've ever taken.	Have had epilepsy since I was 10 when diagnosed with petit mal. At 16 had my first grand mal seizure. From age 10 through 35 I was on many different meds--phenobarbitol, dilantin, zarontin, tegretol, etc. This is the only medication that has controlled my epilepsy without debilitating side effects. Other meds were over perscribed producing toxicity levels which in turn caused depression, exhaustion (sleeping 18-20 hours per day), clumsiness, etc. In my experience, starting with a low dosage and working up is preferable to starting high and working down. Find a doctor who will work with you. I have been taking 500 mg per day for 12 years. Note: Over the years I have noticed that if I forget a full days' dose, I run the risk of a seizure the following day. I attribute this to one of two things: 1)I'm purposely on a low dosage thus I don't have much left in my system after 24 hours, or 2)Depakote moves through the system fairly rapidly. Either way, skipping a day/dose for what	F	47	12 years		7/20/2006 Email
5	bipolar disorder II	Take 1350mg Depakote ER, one 450mg in a.m., two before dinner. Hand tremor, fatigue, aphasia (past year or so), moderate weight gain, change in hair texture (for the better!), increased sensitivity in areas that effectively increase my libido	It has been very effective in controlling the manic phase; my mental state is pretty consistent now, a little slower than I would like, but I can work more effectively, etc. My bipolar is comorbid with ADD, for which I take 450mg Wellbutrin XL. I don't believe Wellbutrin has side effects for me, so I attribute the ones I do have to the Depakote. I have never taken the Depakote without another medication, however.	M	49	3 years		6/25/2006
5	rapid cycling bipolar disorder	I have gained about 20 lbs on this medication.	I wouldn't trade depakote unless I developed one of the severe side effects like liver disease. It has helped so much. I take 2000 mg a day.	F	37	2 years		6/3/2006
5	Generalized Seizures/Anxiety	Take 750mg Extended Release per day. No negative side effects.	Best of the best, Dilantin a distant 2nd. Forget the "new generation" AED's. They are terrible and undocumented.	M	33	10 years		5/15/2006
5	anxiety / mania	500mg daily. Feel only a little tired but I think this is just me feeling more normal and relaxed like I used to be when I took 45mg diazepam daily. It feels the same. Dries up the anxiety about 75% and helps me sleep. I haven't lost any energy and keeping a strict healthy diet has kept my weight at 11 stone and I'm 5ft 11. I am still improving and any deep thinking has almost vanished and I can think clearly for the FIRST time in my entire life.	This medicine seems awful for some people. I have tried maybe 40 other medicines and for me this is the best by far and works luckily at this lower dose. I remember having awful side effects from only the smallest dose of risperidone whilst others can take it quite easily. It's all down to the individual. What hits some hard and doesn't work will be tolerated and very effective for others. For myself it's the best drug around.	M	34	6 months		5/13/2006
5	Bipolar Disorder	hand tremors, absent mindedness, easily confused, forgetfull, weight gain, trouble sleeping	Even though I have side effects, I would only trade in Depakote if it affects my liver or I develop a major side effect. This drug truly was a life saver for me after years of trying almost everything else.	F	38	8 years		4/26/2006
5	Rapid Cycling Bipolar II	Huge weight gain, edema in ankles.	My life-saver other than a 40 lb. weight gain. Keeps me even, helps me sleep soundly. Other than the weight gain, this has been a perfect med. for me for a decade.	F	39	10 years		3/8/2006
5	Simple Partials. Co-Morbid Anxiety	With the extended release at 3x a day 250mg none at all.	This drug works so unbelievably and in such a multifaceted way on calming the overactive brain it is truly amazing. No cognitive impairment as with Dilantin, Lamictal and Tegretol. I will always take this drug and while on it my cholesterol has actually gone down and my liver is in great shape. It also OBLITERATES any accompanying anxiety with the Simple Partial disorder I have. This is the real remarkable medicine.	M	33	7 years		12/31/2005
5	Epilepsy (Juv Myoclonic)	I only take 750 mg a day 3 doses of 250. Unusaul amounts of fatigue (even when active in the gym), small weight gain, 1 time had the scary puffy eye's, temors in the arms and hands, headaches, indigestion(gone now).	Truthfully I have had very little problems over the years for being on it as long as I have. And as long as I have been GOOD in taking the medication right. Usually I don't notice the tremors until I pick up a cup or something, have been in the gym for a bit or someone says something. I have been able to miss a dose here and there not intentionally and I have had no seizures. I do believe the medication makes you overly tired and other little side effects can be quite annoying but I have found ways to deal with them myself or with the doctor. I was stupid as a teenager and rebelled in taking my med's which lead my seizures from being abstance(sp)/partials to full grand mal's but the depakote has worked through out all this just fine.	F	28	15 years		12/20/2005 Email
5	bi-polar	I'm writing this for my daughter who is bi-polar and schizoaffective. She is SO much better with this new med.	Here's the strange thing: she tells me that ever since puberty she has felt desperately hot, all the time. She said it got worse and worse as the years went on (she is now 36) and continued until she started Depakote. Now, she has no problem with feeling too hot and would fight to stay on this med!	F	36	1.5 years		11/19/2005 Email
5	Bipolar I	Hair loss	I've been taking 750 mg of Depakote for over seven years now and the only side effect that I've noticed is hair loss. I've heard it can cause weight gain but I've never had a problem with it. The hair loss seemed to come and go in the past but recently I've been losing quite a bit of my hair. The drug itself has worked a miracle on me as far as my manic episodes are concerned, so I suppose my next step is to find a wig shop. But then... I'll save a lot on shampoo! :)	F	46	7 years		8/29/2005
5	Bipolar Mood disorder	not much, but there was a sudden weight gain of 10kgs.		M	30	250 days		8/14/2005 Email
5	juvienile myoclonic epilepsy	I take 1200 mgs a day for seizures. it is the only medicine that can treat jme. I am always exhausted. But, I dont really eat well or exercise...i am a student at 45...and i sit a lot, and sleep, too much.	I also have hand tremors...i dont notice, but people comment on it. It is a very sensitive drug, if I miss a does I have seizures when I wake up. My seizures are very odd, happening after sleep only, when light hits my eyes. Ugh	F	56	7 years		6/10/2005
5	Seizures	I am taking a large dose (in my opinion) 1000 mg am and pm. With each step up I have experienced very vivid and memorable dreams. Not frightening - just vivid. At this time, it seems to be handling the seizures. I haven't had one since I've been on the increased dosage.	Also a slight hand shakiness - not exactly what I would consider a tremor, but I am watching it carefully	F	61	10 weeks		5/28/2005
5	Bi-Polar	I have not experienced any side effects to date, however, I have only been taking the medication 2 months.	I feel like Depakote has done wonders for stabilizing my moods, manic times, depressed times and just over	M	39	2 months		1/23/2005 Email
5	Bipolar II	Take 750mg/day. The only bothersome side effect I have from Depakote is lethargy - feel	For mood stabilization, it worked wonders for me. Combined with a bit of Celexa and Seroquel, it keeps my condition at bay. I am surprized to see so many people dislike Depakote. Maybe I'm just lucky not to have much side effects...	M	26	4 years		11/30/2004 Email
5	Bipolar II	Take 750mg/day. The only bothersome side effect I have from Depakote is lethargy - feel	For mood stabilization, it worked wonders for me. Combined with a bit of Celexa and Seroquel, it keeps my condition at bay. I am surprized to see so many people dislike Depakote. Maybe I'm just lucky not to have much side effects...	M	26	4 years		11/30/2004 Email
5	Migraine Prevention	I take 375 mg of Depakote a day, and it has worked wonders. I had a constant drilling headache all day every day, and over time developed classic migraines every day. Life was, to say the least, dark and simply revolving around my constant pain. My Dr and I tried several different drugs before we found the one that worked for me, I even tried Depakote ER for a while but it made me too sick to my stomach, so depakote sprinkles are a miracle! I don't have a constant pain anymore, and I have not experienced a classic migraine since the medicine has built up in my system. I have noticed no side effects and am so happy with the way this medicine lets me live. Don't give up, keep looking until you find the right meds for you!		F	21	6 months		11/5/2004
5	Bipolar II	Significant weight gain (75 lbs. in 6 months), minor hair loss, tremor and fatigue	The side effects can be difficult to deal with, but are often well worth the frustration. For me, the medication was life-saving and terribly important. The worst was the weight gain, but after a year or two, my life was finally in order again and I was able to lose it all--and more--because I could focus on my physical health. I owe a lot to Depakote.	M	24	6 years		8/15/2004
5	seizures, mood disorder	Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome		F	23	1 years		7/17/2004 Email
5	Bipolar II (to stab. mood)	Slight fatigue, some muscle weakness and reduced memory are the only side effects I had. No weight gain, tremors, nausea, dizziness or significant libido problems at 750mg a day. It is very, very efficient as a mood stabiliser. Its the only one I've been on and plan to stay on it.	Taking very high doses will cause a myriad of unpleasant side effects like nausea, tremors and dizziness. Its important to keep Depakote at the minimal effective dose and to have levels monitored by a compentent shrink.	M	25	3 years		5/25/2004
5	mood disorder	hair loss	worked great otherwise	F	47	6 days		11/14/2003
5	bi-polar & frequent migraines	I feel tired right after taking it, so I take my larger dosage at night and the smaller one in the morning and works great for me, so it actually helps me sleep at night, since that is one of my problems is my mind races at night.	I have no problems at all with my med. NO weight gain, No hair loss, No problems with my sex drive or orgasmic abilities. Swear by this medication, it saved my life!!	F	40	6 years		6/26/2003

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Average rating for drug: 3.2. This page is printer-friendly; use landscape print with background color turned on.

Key to ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine.

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