Divalproex sodium and Tremors: What Users Say

Brand names: Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkles

Tremors: mentioned by 40 users (7.9%)

Based on user experiences from 509 Divalproex sodium reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

weight gain		30.1%
hair loss		9.8%
tiredness		8.3%
tremors		7.9%
depression		7.3%
nausea		4.5%
anxiety		4.3%
drowsiness		4.3%
insomnia		3.7%
increased appetite		3.3%

Reviews for Divalproex sodium

Showing 40 reviews tagged with "tremors". Clear filters to view all 509 reviews.

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Phi...
Taken for 10 years or more
August 13, 2019

Divalproex sodium for Epilepsy "I have been taking 1 Depakote 500mg ER brand tablet daily for 28 years (I am 40). Used to treat Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy. This medication has been a tremendous blessing for me as it has controlled my seizures for the last 26 years. I’ve had no side effects but I will mention that I was very active as a child playing sports and continued to spend many hours a week lifting and exercising all through HS and college. I continue to exercise at least 3 days a week. I mention my exercise habits for a reason. I have noticed that during the times when we had our children and I wasn’t getting good sleep and not able to exercise as much, I began to notice some possible side effects related to the medication (slight tremors, lethargy, difficulty remembering names). When I started back exercising, all the side effects went away. I am a practicing pharmacist and married with 2 healthy children. I realize that my story may be somewhat unique, but I decided to share to give another long-term patient experience."

10 / 10

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160 Report

esp...
Taken for 1 to 2 years
December 27, 2016

Divalproex sodium for Bipolar Disorder "I have been through so many medications. It's ridiculous... Most of them didn't work and caused severe side effects. The last one I was on before Depakote was lamotrigine (which really is better for bipolar II, from what I understand). I tend to run very manic (and don't have a thyroid anymore - cancer), so my doc and I decided this would probably be my best option. None of the new drugs worked on me. Depakote has been amazing. I can think a lot more clearly and I'm still me - just a lot more toned down. I've had no negative side effects except a slight tremor, but I'm also on Xanax for severe anxiety, so it's only noticeable when it's time for that. No weight gain, either. In fact, my appetite decreased. I haven't gained or lost, really."

10 / 10

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114 Report

MAN...
Taken for less than 1 month
February 15, 2013

Divalproex sodium for Bipolar Disorder "I have to say some of the side effects to DEPAKOTE ARE TOUGH! But the SIDE EFFECTS TO MY CONDITION COULD BE WAY WORSE. So I've been sticking to it and working through the side effects. It's DEFINITELY a miracle pill. I am only at 3 weeks but I've never felt calm, NO racing thoughts, and I feel HAPPIER. I only have LITTLE anxiety at this time. Before, most weeks I'd end up in the ER 3 times DUE TO A PANIC ATTACK. SIDE EFFECTS: headache, staring, head feels funny like an electric shock, nauseous. My lips and tongue are twitching. I have an instant cold and clammy feeling. BUT I LOVE THE CALMNESS and all these side effects have gone away and I feel like I am living like I've never lived! This medicine is AMAZING."

9 / 10

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149 Report

Anonymous
October 15, 2012

Divalproex sodium for Bipolar Disorder "This medication has kept me stable for 4 years. I am now 23 and was on 1000 mg at night. I recently went down as my blood tests came back too high. So I went back down to 700 mg and had another manic episode. I am now in the process of finding an antipsychotic to go with it. I have managed to stay at 110 lbs for 4 years with a healthy diet and exercise. The only side effects I had were major hair loss, slight tremors, and nausea. All of which have passed within a year."

9 / 10

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64 Report

Cow...
June 22, 2014

Divalproex sodium for Migraine Prevention "I have only been taking Depakote ER 500 mg for 10 days now, or maybe I should say nights. I take it at bedtime and was supposed to start taking it twice a day after a week, but the upset stomach, the shakes (or extra nervousness), no sign of relief of my migraines, and I haven't been able to sleep at night either. I'm going to tell my Dr. that I just can't take it anymore."

1 / 10

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42 Report

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Mel...
Taken for 6 months to 1 year
February 2, 2016

Divalproex sodium for Bipolar Disorder "I am not very fond of Depakote. When I took it, it didn't improve my mood swings that much. In the beginning, it made me nauseous and caused my hair to fall out. No, I didn't go bald, but it thinned out my hair enough that my hairstylist noticed. Eventually, my hair stopped falling out, but I gained a lot of weight and I had very bad tremors and bad coordination. If you do decide to take this medicine, make sure your doctor tests your blood regularly. I think you are supposed to have your blood tested every 6 months."

3 / 10

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40 Report

Zee...
April 9, 2011

Divalproex sodium for Bipolar Disorder "I was put on Depakote ER and Celexa for depression and anxiety. My mood and depression were helped, and it knocked out my migraine headaches completely. I experienced so many horrible side effects, though. I gained 50 pounds in the six months I was on this, I lost my hair, I developed tremors that have not completely subsided, I had horrible stomach problems, heartburn, it made me extremely lethargic, libido was gone. This was just my experience with Depakote, and if it weren't for all of the side effects, I would have stayed on this medication. Hope this helps."

1 / 10

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50 Report

Cha...
May 21, 2013

Divalproex sodium for Migraine Prevention "Medication was very effective at controlling silent migraines, but long-term use (more than 10 years) has resulted in a 60-pound weight gain, hair loss, and shakiness. Recently, I have felt very fatigued and confused."

7 / 10

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40 Report

Sti...
March 19, 2018

Divalproex sodium for Bipolar Disorder "This review is on behalf of my 16-year-old son. Manic ups and downs for years, between over-the-top excitement/happiness (rare and short-lived) or anger/violence or full depression/sadness. Just trying to help him level out. Has been moved on and off many different medications to try to find a fit. Most recently, the doctor added Depakote to his 900 mg lithium & 15 mg Abilify. First four days started with Depakote 500 mg; then added another pill to 1000 mg. Started to have digestive issues and tremors but pulled through. Increased to 1500 mg 4 days later, which led to more tremors and violent vomiting. The doctor suggested splitting the doses am/pm. Within 2 hours of taking the am dose the next day - same violent vomiting. Confirmed no stomach bug. His body was unable to handle the level of Depakote. Now, no longer taking. I've read many positive reviews on this medication, but sadly ours is not one of them due to his adverse reactions."

1 / 10

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25 Report

Ash...
January 26, 2018

Divalproex sodium for Bipolar Disorder "I have been diagnosed as bipolar for 20 years now and just a month ago listed as bipolar 1 severe with mixed moods. This is the only medication that REALLY works to help control my manic moods. ONLY side effect for me is a little bit of shaky hands after taking for a few hours."

8 / 10

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22 Report

TLN...
Taken for 5 to 10 years
September 10, 2020

Divalproex sodium for Epilepsy "This drug, Depakote, gave me side effects: I gained 50 lbs, hair fell out, and tremors. Was put on it for migraines initially, but after 2 years, migraines turned into seizures. I question if the drug didn't cause my seizures."

1 / 10

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15 Report

Anonymous
July 1, 2010

Divalproex sodium for Migraine Prevention "For two months now, Depakote ER has cured my migraines, which were occurring approximately two to three times a week, lasting between one to three days each. I had some of the blurred vision and trembling side effects, but the worst has been the weight gain, 10 pounds in two months, when I normally never, ever gain weight. I suppose, given the choice, I'll choose the weight gain. Wish I didn't have to choose."

9 / 10

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35 Report

Exc...
Taken for 10 years or more
December 25, 2024

Divalproex sodium for Bipolar Disorder "I’ve used Depakote for 10 years after having two severe manic episodes. Since being on this medicine, I have not had another manic episode, and I’ve been in very stressful situations. I barely had side effects - some tremors a few years ago and a slight stomach ache as my body was adjusting to it. I definitely recommend this medication to anyone wanting to stabilize."

10 / 10

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2 Report

jut...
May 5, 2010

Divalproex sodium for Bipolar Disorder "When it worked, it was great. Couldn't keep my levels the same, though. When levels went too high, I got tired and shaky and could not sleep. When it went too low, I rapid cycled between mania and depression. May work for you, but not for me."

3 / 10

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30 Report

So-...
Taken for 1 to 2 years
November 14, 2019

Divalproex sodium for Bipolar Disorder "I haven't really had a major manic episode since I started Depakote. However, it did not help me with normal agitation, violent thoughts, or anger. But trade-offs were weight gain, significant hair loss, and tremor. I was on 1250 mg/d and decreased to 750 mg/d. Cutting down didn't make me feel any difference. I wish this works out for most of you since this is one of the main therapies for maintenance."

3 / 10

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13 Report

Joa...
September 7, 2011

Divalproex sodium for Migraine Prevention "I have been on Depakote ER for three weeks. I've had 4 migraines during this time, which is less than before the Depakote ER. My GP had me on three different medicines for prevention, but the neurologist switched me to Depakote ER. I've had a little weight gain. The problem is I'm on Weight Watchers and should be losing weight. There have been times when my hands have felt shaky (similar to too much caffeine intake). I think it's also affecting my vision. I'm going to call the doctor and ask to switch to something else. Basically, it's helped reduce my migraine frequency but not enough to live with the side effects."

8 / 10

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26 Report

sla...
January 9, 2011

Divalproex sodium for Bipolar Disorder "I have taken this medicine for seven years... six of those in conjunction with Zyprexa. I ballooned from 120 lbs to 210 lbs in that space of time. I was not warned that this medicine has the potential to cause massive weight gain, and she insisted to me that the gain was nothing to do with the drug. Came off the drugs independently for 13 months, 95 lbs fell off me easily, but had another episode after that time. Am now on 500 mgs Depakote and 10 mgs Abilify. Don't notice any beneficial effects from this medicine: hair loss, nails breaking below the quick, hand and body tremors, forgetfulness, being abstract and far away, irregular sleep patterns. Want to ask the doctor to try me on Lamictal."

4 / 10

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28 Report

sla...
January 9, 2011

4 / 10

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28 Report

Ann...
November 23, 2016

Divalproex sodium for Epilepsy "It was bad. It made me gain weight. It made me have tremors, which will never completely go away now. I couldn't hold plates or hold cups without shaking. My head started shaking. My new neurologist took me off of them. I was on them for over 20 yrs. I would strongly think about other meds before taking this one, considering the side effects can't go away immediately or not at all."

3 / 10

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17 Report

Anonymous
Taken for 6 months to 1 year
August 23, 2012

Divalproex sodium for Epilepsy "On the morning of June 23rd, I awoke with a terrible seizure (my first). Throughout the day, I got progressively worse, went into the doctor's office, and the following morning, had slipped into a deep coma. In this coma, I apparently continued these seizures. Depakote was used through my nasogastric (NG) tube, and it seemed to help a lot. My only issue now is some trembling, which is more noticeable when I'm weaker or more tired. Overall, the use of this medicine has been very beneficial."

10 / 10

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20 Report

Edd...
Taken for 2 to 5 years
March 31, 2022

Divalproex sodium for Epilepsy "I'm epileptic. I have been having seizures since my early teens. I’m 52 now. I was born with a tumor in my brain. The tumor has been removed, but the damage of the scar tissue is causing me to have seizures. I have been taking Depakote 2000mg a day, and I take with it Keppra 1000mg a day for 2 years, and the side effects suck. I can’t sleep, I stutter, I’m always anxious, and I have tremors. I have my ups and downs, mood swings. I lost my hair, I’m easily angered or frustrated and nervous. I also have high blood pressure now and have to take high blood pressure meds. I smoke THC and CBD to help. I’m usually nauseous, and I have digestive problems, if you know what I mean. I still have seizures, mainly blackouts. I haven’t had a grand mal seizure for a bit. But I would like to know if anyone came down with high blood pressure when started taking the meds."

1 / 10

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7 Report

d27...
June 18, 2015

Divalproex sodium for Migraine Prevention "I been taking 1,000 mg a day. I split up 500 in the morning and 500 at night for 3 months. I gained 35 pounds in the first month. It's a great mood stabilizer, but it only works part of the time. I have the shakes, acne, vision problems from it. I took Topamax before, it was great, but I got kidney stones from it. I need to get another med that actually works!"

4 / 10

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15 Report

Jil...
Taken for less than 1 month
May 25, 2018

Divalproex sodium for Bipolar Disorder "Been on Depakote and Prozac for three days. I take 20 mg Prozac in the morning and 750 mg Depakote before bed. First day great.. I felt better! My mood was noticeably happy, and I could actually think clearer without being agitated. Second day had trouble sleeping, anxiety, tremors, and a little hallucinations. Third day terrible nausea, panic attack, in the bathroom every 20 mins seems like, bedtime abdominal pain, and diarrhea. I'm slowly coming off of this med now."

5 / 10

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17 Report

Aad...
Taken for 1 to 6 months
July 17, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "56 yrs old, first time to try treatment, diagnosed with bipolar II and ADHD. I have a lifetime of destruction, including manic behaviors (law interactions and have broken every major bone in my body) and depression, including suicide attempts. Been on divalproex 1000 mg/day for about a month. Initially with Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin sent me immediately into extreme mania and with shakes, dry mouth, etc. Changed from Wellbutrin to sertraline (Zoloft) at a low dose of 25 mg/day, also 100 mg amitriptyline for sleep. Honestly, I am very satisfied with the results as I entered treatment from the VA suicide hotline. First time in my life where I feel I have any control over my own moods. I am sure I have adjustments to make, but I have some hope for a relatively stable future. Don't wait as long as I did."

8 / 10

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7 Report

Anonymous
Taken for 10 years or more
January 27, 2022

Divalproex sodium for Epilepsy "I have been taking 1000 mg daily (500 mg every 12 hours) for 12 years since I was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy. I had both petit mal and grand mal seizures. This was the first medicine the doctor prescribed to me, and it is working. The only time I had a seizure was when I tried reducing my dosage to half without talking to my doctor. Once I got back to my regular dosage, I got no more seizures. I do consume chocolate and caffeinated tea liberally, coffee (no more than a cup a day), and occasionally alcohol (but never in large doses), and this has not caused any seizures in my case while taking this medicine. Although I do have a milder form of epilepsy and most certainly I do not recommend or believe that doing this is safe for every epilepsy patient, this could be very dangerous or fatal for some, I just know my limits well. I had mild side effects from this medicine, such as the occasional tremors when tired, but nothing more. I am satisfied with it."

10 / 10

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4 Report

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