Divalproex sodium for Bipolar Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• September 7, 2009

Depakote (divalproex sodium) "I would give Depakote a lower rating based on my personal experience with it, but I don't want to skew the overall rating. For whatever reason, I did not respond to Depakote as a mood stabilizer. This is surely not the case for everyone. The problem is that while taking this medicine, I gained 30 pounds, as I constantly felt hungry. I was warned ahead of time that this tends to keep the brain from perceiving fullness (or something to that effect). I noticed this within a few days of starting Depakote but continued taking it because I didn't have many other options at the time. The weight gain created an entirely new aspect of depression. Just something to keep in mind if you're just starting it and weight gain is an issue."

• JDB
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 22, 2023

Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) "I was put on Depakote 2000 mg a day to treat manic disorders, bipolar, and migraines. I was also on Seroquel 800 mg daily. Suffering from schizophrenia, manic depression, and having constant panic attacks, I was on disability at the time. The disability people sent me for a review of my benefits. I lost my benefits because the doctor who reviewed my case told Social Security that I was a drug addict. I was only on prescription medication and having a breakdown. Social Security took my benefits away, and I had no way to pay for these medications, which are extremely expensive. My prescriptions were around $1500.00 a month. When they took away my benefits, I experienced bad withdrawals because I couldn't continue to buy the medicine. I completely lost my mind and lived on the streets and wherever I could find a place to sleep for over a decade. My family is trying to help me now, but if you can't afford to keep paying for these things, don't start. It's hell when you withdraw."

• Tiger...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 20, 2014

Depakote (divalproex sodium) "I'm on Depokote 250mg in the morning and 500mg at night. I am also on olanzapine 5mg and fluoxetine 20mg which works wonders together. I have bipolar and whilst on Depokote suffered a bad spell of depression so was put on fluoxetine which has changed my life, I'm such a happier calmer person now."

• Anony...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 23, 2015

Depakote (divalproex sodium) "I am honestly the happiest person ever since my Psychiatrist prescribed Depakote for me, NO MORE RAPID CYCLING!! I take two 500mg tablets about 20 minutes minutes before bed and I sleep throughout only waking up when my back aching in pain; I'll save that for my Baclofen and Prednisone post. I do not experience the manic highs as I was once did; however I still have my low days but everyone does! My low days are no where near the days when I on Trileptal or any SSRIs. I was taking Ability and Lithium for a week (this is my experience) I started seeing the world in two-dimensions, sort of like the early Nintendo characters. I freaking out!! That was it. Make sure to get blood tests every months to ensure your Depakote are in line. A "

• Depan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 22, 2019

Depakote (divalproex sodium) "No way! Been on it twice in my life. I was extremely bloated beyond recognition and in a deep mental haze. I could barely function. My doctor kept saying “you need to take care of yourself before you can care for your family”. And she was right. I got off it, weight loss has been slow but I got my face back I looked like a hamster on it and I went up 5 pant sizes on this medication. I got my energy back. On this stuff I slept all day. Off this medication I am enrolled in school and on the path to a new career and I am able to be awake to live my life off this stuff. And care for my family."

• Necik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 27, 2021

Depakote (divalproex sodium) "I love this medication. It has been a life saver. I have anxiety that cripples me emotionally and physically, but when I started this I literally felt a weight lift off my shoulders. At first (didn’t last long) it made me a little drowsy, but I didn’t mind, rather be drowsy than panicky and fidgety with racing thoughts. I will say this medication works better for me in smaller doses. If I take 500 mg all at one it makes me emotional. So I take 250 at night (sleep) and 250 in the morning if I need it."

• 1ks
• October 4, 2016

Depakote (divalproex sodium) "I started depakote 3,000mg straight off when I was 15 years old I have since been taken off from it and still paying the price for it. It made me hungry constantly i gained a total of 50 pounds in 7 months I had no energy at all and no feelings no happy thoughts no sad thoughts I was literally a zombie and now I'm still seeing new doctors and switching meds all the time and I've had enough nothing is working and no one can help me I really need help and can't find it anywhere"

• Madol...
• December 4, 2017

Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) "I have been on generic Depakote for 12 years. Prior to it, I took lithium for 28 years. On Depakote, I lost 30 pounds; and did not have hair loss. I do get tired in the afternoon and take a nap. I feel the medication helps me live a good life. I believe I would be dead without medication that keeps me from being manic."

• busybee
• July 6, 2010

Depakote (divalproex sodium) "I am shocked to read the high amount of mg's that people are being started on. Every review I have read about Depakote it's been mainly 1000mg also 500mg. That just blows my mind! With any medicine you have to be eased into things and adjust from there! I began with 250mg, my Doctor told me that after a few weeks I could adjust it to taking 2 doses (500mg). Just to play around with it to see if I in fact needed to go higher. So I did, when changed to 500mg it made me crazy, nutty, mean and intolerable. I backed off and on 250mg again. I have been normal and perfectly stable ever since. I have yet to read a person taking the lowest dosage as a starting point. Start slow and work your way up (if needed). This medicine has been a lifesaver!"

• Chris...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 19, 2015

Depakote (divalproex sodium) "I have to say this drug did more harm then good and my body is very dependent on it. In only a year span I started having serious weight and back issues. I have never had any issues with my back but all of a sudden my bones started to get brittle. Then the disc herniations started happening, and like a domino effect entire spine was damaged. I see along of info on children or babies effected with their spine but apparently it can do the same for a grown adult. I was put on this med for anxiety and what my dr thought was bp. Turns out as time goes by dr lowers my depakote and cAme to the conclusion I do not have bp. Great.. Damage done.. Abnormal EEG. , spine damage, and severe chemical dependency .. Lost my hair , my looks, weight ."

• Anne
• May 15, 2013

Depakote (divalproex sodium) "I've been on Depakote for almost a year now. I also take Paxil and Wellbutrin. I gained around 10lbs right from the start. My weight has seemed to have stayed steady the last few months. It's extremely hard to lose it. I have been through a lot of different medications to try and treat bipolar disorder. Even with the medicines I'm on, I'm still depressed and like I don't matter. I'm very sleepy and can lay down and take a nap at any time. I started taking B Complex because I stay so sleepy. My new concern is memory. I can't think of words and dates or names like movie stars very fast and it concerns me. "

• Qbug
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 10, 2014

Depakote (divalproex sodium) "Depakote was given to me for onset postpartum psychosis and underlying bipolar 1 as a mood stabilizer. It did it's job. Wonderful results mentally, obsessive thoughts were all but gone and combined with my antipsychotic, it made my life much better. But, the weight gain was hellish. I have gained 11 pounds in two weeks, and am looking at switching at my appointment on Monday. So, not good if you are looking for a weight neutral mood stabilizer."

• Stephie
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 13, 2018

Depakote (divalproex sodium) "Today is my second day on depakote. I was freezing yesterday and it was 80 degrees. I have been on gabapentin, lithium, celexa, wellbutrin, lexapro, and so many others. I tried to commit suicide 3 weeks ago and that’s when I decided enough was enough. As soon as my oldest started ninth grade I started sleeping on the couch, having crazy mood swings, and then my daughter graduated. I slept on that couch for 6 years. My husband worked 3rd shift and me day shift. I was self medicating with hydros then when I wanted to stop that I got addicted to Suboxone. I also have a thyroid disease and had no idea that played into it. I’ve weaned myself off all drugs and now they started me out 500 mg twice a day. And my thyroid medicine. This is going to be a long road but I know it will be worth it. Please don’t give up."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 1, 2012

Depakote (divalproex sodium) "I am 29 and just diagnosed with Bipolar after a horrible manic depression cycle. Its worked great to stablize my moods but I'm scared after reading everyone's weight gain stories! I will have to hitch up my diet and exercise plan more. One thing I noticed that I didn't see anyone else write is that I have these horrible and extremely vivid dreams - they seem to be my fears realized. But they are so vivid and real that they hang over me all day. Has anyone else experienced this?"

• Carala
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 4, 2018

Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) "I am very pleased so far with my experience taking Depakote. Before Depakote, I was taking seroquel for quite some time (a couple years) and although I was happy on that medicine, I was way too tired. Luckily my solution was Depakote. All I can say is I have tried medicine for 4 years now and it has been a long journey! I will always remember my first time taking Depakote. Normally I get very fearful and panic the med will make me sick. Not Depakote. Instead, I felt immediately better, happy even, and giggled. Once that wore off, I felt normal and slept an hour or two after taking it. I enjoy how I still get tired on this medication like seroquel, but it does not overwhelm my senses with sedation, and fog my memory as much. If anything, I have never been more myself! Only thing is now sometimes I laugh too much."

• Ivan
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 8, 2020

Depakote (divalproex sodium) "I've taken the Depakote medication since 2014 and this is the only drug which eases my symptoms without causing extreme sleepiness. Classified as mild case, most of times I experience hypomania. Upon finding closure in therapy to change mindset and behavior, I've been channeling the disposition for self development and productivity, gradually gaining confidence and control, becoming less dependent on the medication, only taking a tablet each time I'm unable to manage the irritability and distress."

• pres
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 30, 2018

Depakote (divalproex sodium) "I've been on depakote for over a month now, it has really helped me. I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 at the age of 16, I'm 21 now. This was the first medicine that I have tried. I still get down and depressed sometimes, but it is nothing like I used to. All of my suicidal thoughts have stopped, I used to have them multiple times a day. Depakote has also help very well with my anger and aggression issue, I feel as if i can live a normal life now and handle tough situations better. I would definitely recommend this medicine for anyone dealing with bipolar disorder!"

• GlowC...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 14, 2012

Depakote (divalproex sodium) "I am a female, first diagnosed at age 19 with bipolar disorder. They first tried Zyprexa which I had a horrible reaction to. The Depakote made me feel like a zombie for months, until it brought me back down to "normal". I stayed on approx 500 mg/day for almost 6 years, then backing down to 250mg until I stopped. I had started to feel depressed at 31 and was put on Lexapro, this led to a manic episode within a few months. Alas I am back on Depakote 500mg/ day. It has saved me. Luckily no significant weight gain besides 10 lbs I lost being manic!) but I do work out and try to eat healthy."

• Bolar
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 30, 2014

Depakote (divalproex sodium) "This medication helped my symptoms tremendously. The main issue I had (and had to stop taking the medication) was low platelet count. Please if you are on this medication have your platelets checked routinely. My therapist never told me this could be a side effect... I finally went to my family physician because I was bruising so badly."

• TLGeer
• September 1, 2016

Depakote (divalproex sodium) "I have major bi-polar disorder as well as severe depression and PTSD. This med (along with Seroquel and Wellbutrin) has been a literal lifesaver. For the first time in my life my moods are stable as well as manageable."

• clems...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 8, 2015

Depakote (divalproex sodium) "I was recently diagnosed with Bipolar II. This medication has been a life saver (literally) for me. It has helped keep my emotions in check. I took another medication lamicital that caused one continuous headache that never went away. My psychiatrist started me on a low dose of that medication so I wouldn't get a deadly rash. My emotions were all over the place and I was miserable. My psychiatrist put me on Depakote. At first this medication made me sluggish and hungry. I gained 5 lbs in the first 2 weeks. Since then I have laid off the snacks and beverages and have since gotten adjusted to the meds (also taking Zoloft). Three pounds have come off without trying. Each person is different, but this has really worked for me."

• akc
• September 27, 2014

Depakote (divalproex sodium) "I started on Depakote by my new neurologist. I've had bad depressions and bipolar attacks, but about 2 yrs ago I started having seizures. This new neurologist took me off of all my medicines and just put me on a low dose of Depakote. I've been seizure free and much happier in general. The only things are the constant snacking and I seem to catch colds and flus easier. Any advice about that?"

• Bipolar
• April 2, 2016

Depakote (divalproex sodium) "I took Depakote 500mg for a week then increased my dose to 1000mg after the next week. The next day I began having terrible stomach pains and pains in my kidneys, especially after eating. I emailed my doctor and he told me the side effects would subside but they didn't. They actually got worse and the abdominal pain would linger all day and night. I also had a hard time sleeping, I would wake up every 1-2 hours and sleep less than 6 hours a night, along with having very vivid dreams. The dreams later got more and more violent/terrifying and I began to fall into a very deep depression, one I had never felt in my entire life. I stopped taking this medication after three weeks. I will never take this medication even if it saved my life."

• jdk
• March 1, 2013

Depakote (divalproex sodium) "I am on the 500 X 2 ER and people tell me I'm alot more calmer and they see the change, I guess I was on the depressed side of the spectrum. It may also be that I am on Celexa as well. At first I was severely drowsy, but after about seven months in it kicks in. As far as weight gain goes same there no changes. Hair loss? Was already losing it. I have been on lithium and that didn't work, tried Tegretrol as well, come to find out I am allergic, so if I can feel normal and blood tests on liver and kidney comes back fine, hey I will give Depakote 2 big thumbs up with a normal life."

• Linda...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 19, 2012

Depakote (divalproex sodium) "Just been diagnosed with Bi Polar Disorder after goodness knows how many years of episodes. Took my shrink the best part of 2 years to finally diagnose me after many different anti depressants, sleepless nights, racing thoughts, and wild partying till the early hours (sometimes on my own!!!). Just started on Depakote 3 weeks ago initally on 500mg per day which didn't help my mania, now on 500mg morning, and 500mg evening which calms me down, helps me sleep, deals with my irritability and mania, and generally slows me down. I have found that I get eye jolts ... fuzziness, but for the first time in 3 years (when it all started back up!), I am beginning to feel "NORMAL". We'll see how it goes. My consultant has mentioned Lithium also."