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User Reviews for Depakote ER

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Condition DownUp Reviews Compare Avg. Ratings DownUp
Mania 2 reviews 14 medications
   
8.0
Bipolar Disorder 5 reviews 58 medications
   
7.8
Epilepsy 12 reviews 26 medications
   
7.6
Migraine Prevention 13 reviews 41 medications
   
7.5
Hyperekplexia 0 reviews 15 medications Not rated - Be the first
Summary 32 reviews 7.6

Reviews for Depakote ER

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Review by Maggiebxr: User Rating:  
   
8.0

Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) for Migraine Prevention: After trying Topamax for months with no relief, I have been on Depakote ER for three months with GREAT relief! I was having migraine headaches 17 out of 31 days a month, now- maybe one a month (taking Axert when I have pain). The only problem I have had is I have gained 10 pounds in less than three months....this is horrible for me, as I could have afforded to have lost 10 pounds when starting Depakote! My Dr. is going to have me try to mis in 25 mg. of Topamax to suppresse the appetite.

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March 7, 2008 4:54 PM
Review by Dale in Atlanta: User Rating:  
   
10

Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) for Epilepsy: I have had no gran mal seizures now for 4 years. I was on regular enteric coated Depakote since 1989 but always seemed to have a break through seizure every 2 to 3 years. I am on 1750 mg of Depakote ER now per day and I weigh about 175 lbs and am a 5.5 foot man. I was once diagnosed with complex-partial seizures because I had a psychomotor seizure and petit mal once or twice, but most of mine have been gran mal/ tonic/clonic.

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March 3, 2008 9:24 PM
Review by popeye1167: User Rating:  
   
9.0

Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) for Mania: Great medicine, it's the only one that stops the agitation that comes with being too manic for too long. It keeps me from crashing after mania because the mania never peeks. I would have given it a 10, but sometimes a little coffee can make me get manic even though I have taken the medicine.

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August 19, 2008 4:26 PM
Review by gregw: User Rating:  
   
9.0

Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) for Migraine Prevention: I have been on Depakote ER 1000mg for 2 months and it has almost solved my migraine problem. I still get a few slight nagging headaches, which are easy to treat with ibuprofen. The side effects of stomach upset and fatigue seem to be improving. I think I notice some weight gain, maybe too early to tell. So far so good. I'm happy with this medication. My migraines were threating my ability to earn a living and many days were spent in bed. Things are looking up.

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July 14, 2008 11:53 PM
Review by stefaniekelly: User Rating:  
   
9.0

Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) for Migraine Prevention: Responded well to this medicine, after failing everything, including Topamax. I had severe motion component with migraine. Could not stand, roll over or lean over without increased pain/pressure. Depakote finally worked after trying many medicines for 2 1/2 months. just don't like the weight gain

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June 10, 2008 7:28 PM
Review by Anonymous: User Rating:  
   
10

Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) for Migraine Prevention: I have been on Depakote ER 1000 mg/day for over 7 years now and my once 4 migraines/months have pretty much subsided to less than 4/year. That's a great improvement for me as I've had them for over 45 years. Nothing worked before, just many pain medicines tried, or shots to put me out for a couple of days and the after effects weren't so fun. I would recommend this to anyone with migraines. Ask your doctor.

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February 3, 2009 9:49 PM
Review by SFLDiver: User Rating:  
   
9.0

Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) for Migraine Prevention: I have been taking Depakote ER for approximately 4 weeks now with good results. Prior to this medication, I was experiencing frequent dull pressure type headaches, some lasting several days, and occasional short duration sharp migraines. Since using Depakote ER, I have had no migraines and only a couple of very mild and short duration pressure headaches. I realize it's only been a short amount of time on this medication, but the relief has been quite noticeable for me. I have also not experienced any sudden weight gain side effects, however, just prior to starting this medication, I commenced a health eating regimen, which has actually caused me to lose several pounds, and which may be contributing to my weight situation.

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September 8, 2009 12:08 PM
Review by HEDR: User Rating:  
   
8.0

Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) for Bipolar Disorder: Has helped to slow down my racing thoughts and helped with some of my sleeping issues.

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September 25, 2009 7:03 PM
Review by HoustonBFSkinner: User Rating:  
   
8.0

Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) for Epilepsy: After trying 4 different meds this one was the first I was able to tolerate for a longer period. The seizures came under control and all was well. Unfortunatly my amonia levels (a very rare side effect but one that you need to be aware of) began to rise to scary levels so I had to quit ASAP. However if I had not had this issue I would have gladly stayed on the drug.

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April 1, 2008 10:03 PM
Review by Lilraidermom:

Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) for Mania: I have been taking Depakote ER for about 9 months. I have found it helpful for the mania. The bad side effect is that I gained about 30pounds.

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September 8, 2009 11:09 PM
Review by peewee1: User Rating:  
   
3.0

Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) for Epilepsy: My daughter (8) was on Valproic Acid (liquid) for a year. About a month ago she began the pill form Divalproex. Both medicines stopped her Gran mal and Petit mal seizures. Fiends and family have commented for the last year about her personality change. She is no longer a joyful and energetic child, but has become very lethargic and depressed. We are currently researching different medicines to give her.

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November 5, 2009 11:10 AM
Review by pinkysmommy: User Rating:  
   
9.0

Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) for Migraine Prevention: I have been taking this medication for 3 weeks now. I have not had a headache since I started it. I was getting a migraine 3 times a week previously. Topamax did not help me. I am hoping for no serious side effects! This has improved my quality of life tremendously

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May 11, 2010 11:04 AM
Review by Anonymous: User Rating:  
   
5.0

Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) for Epilepsy: I took the medication for two years as a teenager. It stopped the seizures but I lost all my energy and put on 40 pounds. Once I stopped Depakote, I nearly lost all the weight within 2 months.

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February 10, 2009 7:42 PM
Review by Sappo: User Rating:  
   
1.0

Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) for Migraine Prevention: I would never recommend this medication because of the horrible weight gain side effect. I gained 70 lbs on this medicine while trying to convince my doctor to change my medicine. It didn't really help my headaches either. I finally had to change doctors to get off this. I got on Topamax and the weight just melted off. Depakote changes your metabolism where everything you eat changes to fat. I took it 18 months too long.

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July 17, 2009 2:30 PM
Review by addysmom: User Rating:  
   
9.0

Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) for Epilepsy: I have been on Depakote ER for about a year. I have had JME since I was 14 and tried Lamictal from about age 25-30 and had seizures every 6 months. Since I've been on Depakote ER, I have not had any seizures, jerks, or funny feelings in my head! It's been a year, but the only bad thing is I've gained 20 pounds.

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August 6, 2009 11:50 AM
Review by SyntaxError: User Rating:  
   
10

Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) for Bipolar Disorder: Depakote in use with Zyprexa has given me my life back. I haven't felt this "normal" in many years.

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October 9, 2009 1:11 PM
Review by ZeeZee23: User Rating:  
   
1.0

Depakote ER (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.

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April 9, 2011 10:31 PM
Review by Anonymous: User Rating:  
   
8.0

Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) for Epilepsy: I've been on Depakote for 11 years and it's worked pretty good. I was on Zarontin as well for a few years but I stopped that about six years ago. Just Depakote ER since then and I've only had 1 grand mal seizure. Works pretty well.

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May 5, 2009 5:42 PM
Review by tn2njgrl: User Rating:  
   
7.0

Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) for Epilepsy: I have been diagnosed with absence seizures and have had several Grand Mals for 6 years now, but have been seizure-free for 4 years, after being put on Depakote ER. I went through 2 prior doctors and twice as many medicines before finding the right one. If taken in the morning, I get nauseous and I'm always tired, but otherwise, no problems. 155 lb female on 500 mg once daily.

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April 9, 2009 1:05 AM
Review by nicmonte: User Rating:  
   
8.0

Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) for Epilepsy: I have taken Depakote ER for awhile with Lamictal. I have not had a seizure in 34 months. I do have hair loss and weight gain problem.

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June 16, 2009 7:40 AM
Review by Anonymous: User Rating:  
   
9.0

Depakote ER (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.

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July 1, 2010 7:52 PM
Review by *Regina*: User Rating:  
   
8.0

Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) for Epilepsy: I have been on Depakote for about 11 years now. It works pretty well for the most part, but every once in a while my body gets out of whack and I have seizures anyhow. My doctors have tried other medicines as well but Depakote seems to be what works best.

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October 13, 2008 2:39 PM
Review by sunflower10: User Rating:  
   
8.0

Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) for Epilepsy: Been on for 10 Years. Do have break through seizures every 4-5 years (tonic-clonic).

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November 19, 2008 2:48 PM
Review by ZarinaMarie: User Rating:  
   
6.0

Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) for Epilepsy: It did do okay for my seizures but I ended up with so many of the side effects it was unbelievable. They had to take me off I still have seizures to this day because they haven't found the right medicines. I have had a VNS inplant though but still having seizures.

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February 6, 2009 12:52 PM
Review by fishy: User Rating:  
   
7.0

Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) for Epilepsy: I'm on 1750 mg of Depakote which was fine for the longest time but when the doctors add other medicines unpleasant side effects and sometimes more seizures occurred. The only side effects I've experienced were weight gain and thinning hair but I can help control and minimize the effects on those. It's the effects I can't control that worry me; just like it confuses me why most of my seizures coincide with my menstruation.

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April 14, 2011 11:44 PM
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