I will be starting the medication next week and am terrifed of gaining weight. I'm on the hearvier side which has a lot to do with my depression, anxiety, negative self-image, mood swings etc. If I eat healthy and exercise, what are the chances that I will gain weight? In other words, does it make you eat more or does it contain some sort of chemical that adds pounds beyond my control? Any advise would be extremely helpful.
Is weight gain inevitable on Depakote?
Question posted by kristi1821 on 3 July 2012
Last updated on 22 August 2024
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
52 Answers Page 4
snieg
8 Jan 2014
I have been on Depakote for about 10 years now.(between 1500mg and 2000mg dosages) Upon first starting the medication, I gained 40 lbs in 3 months. I have been told that this amount of gain in a short time is rare... lucky me. I stay on the med as it is the only one to control my seizures. But it did make me fat.
lady2882
9 Jan 2014
I know what you mean. I started it in October and even though I don't eat any more than I did and try to exercise a min of 30 min each day the only way I could slow the weight gain was to cut out all the sugar in my diet. I crave the weirdest things too. My weight is still creeping up but don't know what else to do.
papillon327
28 June 2014
i weigh 105 lbs. when i first started to take depakote i gained 20 lbs. in three months. i exercised two to three hours a day at the time and ate a very healthy diet. it was only after i added topamax was i able to control my weight.
now, fifteen years later and menopause has set in, it doesn't matter what i do.
MaureenL
6 Nov 2016
I too have been on Depakote a few years ago and it did make me hungry more often I gained some pounds but not a desperate lot. THE bigger issue for me was the hair loss everyday it was coming out on my brush and got really on my head I had to be taken off it even though it controlled my bipolar great. I could have managed the weight part most likely as I can't gain weight as I have prolapsed discs in lower spine and just gaining half stone makes the biggest difference in pain or I wouldve stayed on it as it's been hard to find something that helps the depressive side. I'm on Lithium 600mg sertraline 150mg and Lamictal 100mg and this has been great for the past 9months.
Freburd
28 Jan 2013
My 19 yo daughter is taking one med. 750mg depakote for 5 months now. She has put on about 30lbs despite while eating an extremely healthy diet. Every bite, meal and snack is measured and counted. Prior to taking this med she was naturally thin ate anything anytime she wanted. Now she constantly fights hunger despite a well balanced diet. The challenge is that though it is not a perfect solution to her Bi Polar mood swings she is far more stable and productive. If the weight gain continues as it does not seem to be leveling off then not only will she be dealing with self esteem issues for the first time in life related to weight but her weight will become a new health issue itself. so while some do not have weight gain issues many do and based on what my daughter is dealing with diet and excersice is not counter acting the drugs effect.
slattery
13 July 2012
Honestly, my findings here. It is the only drug I have consumed non-stop for the past eight years. When combined with ZYPREXA, yes, absolutely it seems to be a given that big weight gain will occur. But I had zero weight gain when I combined it with Abilify. Now I take a relatively large dose of it alone (1,250mgs)... have been on the large dose since January, and my weight has remained constant at 118lbs. So although Rajive says that statistically 10% report weight gain, I say what about the other 90% who don't find this! Now of course I am fanatical about monitoring my weight... step on the scales daily, watch my diet like a hawk, and walk a good old 5 miles daily; probably just as any person who is trying to be weight conscious would do. So it would be my bet that if you can adhere to these lifestyle habits, there is no good reason why the pounds should stack on.
And in fact, you might have an "edge" on your pals who hare NOT worrying about weight gain; because this gives you an added motivation to be extra fussy with yourself! So try it, watch the scales, and work hard at weight control. And soon you might just put us all to shame with the "new you"!!! Kathleen
lesliehelen
28 Jan 2013
what about those of us that don't have the same self control that you have, slattery? i wish i did, but the fact is, i don't. since i have been on depakote (2,500mgs.) i have gained weight, then the cravings started being even more out of control, some days it is sweets, some days salt and always, bread... i was always heavy, off and on, during my life and had been able to lose it with food control and exercise, but since i have been on depakote, abilify and seroquel, i have gained 150 pounds, even though i had the gastric bypass a year ago..(i should have lost 130pounds by now) i can't control myself... now i weigh 330 pounds and am very tired even when walking around the house..i do plan on going to the ymca and doing their water classes as soon as this stupid weather lets up..well, i wish you lots of luck, not all the stories are as negative as mine..i have known several people who actually lost weight on it, so, as the others have said, it depends on how your body metabolizes it..hugs!!!
lesliehelen
kristi1821
31 Jan 2013
I appreciate everyone's comments. I've been on depakote since July and gained 25 pounds. It's very difficult to maintain and/or lose weight when I lack the energy. I want nothing more than to live a "normal" happy life and this medication may be working against me. In addition to depakote I also take abilify which seems to work better than the last antidepressant but this depakote is breaking me. I put soooooo much on my appearance and i feel that gaining weight has destroyed me even more. I really like my doctor and he is working with me to find a mix that works. I guess I'm just really disappointed that I don't have the right mix yet. I'm just so tired of feeling so sad.
DenZel30
24 Feb 2014
Somebody mentioned they gained a lot of weight with Depakote, Abilfy and Seroquel. I take Depakote and Seroquel. BEWARE of the Seroquel. I honestly think that may be what is contributing to your weight gain the most. I did an experiment with Seroquel (400mg). I noticed every night that I did not take Seroquel I noticed I would lose 2lbs by the time I woke up. The nights I would take Seroquel (400mg) I would wake up without the 2lbs weight loss that was mostly just regular fluctuation based upon what I ate. I always put the 2lbs back on by bed-time and then it is gone in he morning. Because of this I stopped taking my Seroquel all together. It took 5 days to finally fall asleep without it. Now I am back on it at 200mg and I now trust the medication again. I know as a matter of fact that with medication like Seroquel require healthy eating and working out would really help or you will gain weight.
Depakote I am unsure of the weight gain because I always attributed to the Seroquel and my Doctor agreed that the majority of the weight gain was from the Seroquel so it may not be the Depakote that is contributing to your weight gain. I could be wrong about that but I had to mention that.
MaureenL
26 March 2014
all these comments on weight gain are making me feel miserable already, I cannot afford to gain anything at all, I suffer with prolapsed discs in my lower spine and even a few pounds make my back ache even worse, Im dreading being on this Dapekote now, Ive just begun it a week ago, seems Ive no choice when it comes to my psychiatrist he says I must take it, ive thought... isnt it MY body, not his, why when Im feeling normal enough do I have to take a med that's making me feel down already, lifeless, tired, and now just waiting for the pounds to go on...
Cheryllynn
25 May 2014
I watch my weight like a hawk as we and never snack. I don't have the best self control, so I make sure to watch for temptation. That being said, I have significant weight gain in just 2 weeks due to water retention. I'm bloated and am consuming less than 1000 calories on average just to stave off weight gain. In addition, I have slurred speech and feel very dumbed down.
balbanese
3 July 2012
I was on this stuff for 5 months. Aside from the blood tests to monitor Valporic Acid there were no other hassles with it. It had no impact on my appetite or my weight. My wife was put on it for her migraine's and the Dr got her so worked up about the possibility of weight gain she asked to stop taking it after just 10-days, she had not gained any weight in that time.
I just looked this up and saw that 9% (nine) percent of people reported weight gain. Best I can say is monitor your weight and if you see it start to go up from the med tell your Dr., maybe there's an alternative. Best to you; Hope this helps.
Inactive
3 July 2012
Hello kristi1821. Just wanted to add this to the above answers. If you find that you are gaining some pounds, try changing the hour you were or are rather taking it. Say at bed time instead of upon awakening. Best of wishes, pledge
SLR44
6 Nov 2016
I agree Kristi I just want my life back. I started taking depakoten7 months ago for unexplained seizures. While this drug has stopped my daily morning migaines, I have also gained 25 pounds, have no energy, try to exercise but feel midweek. I used to be a runner and complete sprint triathlon. This is so discouraging. For a while I was afraid to run or swim for fear of a seizure, but now I lack the endurance for any exercise except walking. Also Depakote caused hair loss. I went off of the Depakote for about 3 weeks and felt great and lost 7 pounds. But had another grand mal seizure in my sleep so had to go back on. I am looking into other drug options. If you are just on this for migraines let me share what helps me. Try to avoid foods that constipated. Stay regular. Drink smooth move tea before bed. I noticed when toxins build up in the gut I am more prone to migraines, using the bathroom alleviates them. Good luck.
Squirrel69
27 Oct 2017
Thanks for all the answers. I unfortunately have to take depakote before bed and in the morning before work to keep blood levels up. And I too feel out of energy and have gained 30 pounds. I carry it fairly well considering I was already 250 and built from working out but I hate it, I wish I could get up and go run or something in the mornings everyday. I've had 9 seizures now, all grand mal, and I would love any more advice anyone has to make it better with taking medication.
HLsherer
12 Feb 2018
I started on Depakote after a stroke in 2014. I have had migraines since age 11 . So when I had been having what I thought were migraines for several months, turned out to be mini strokes until I woke one morning and had a big stroke. I was put on Depakote for migraines that we're compounding my blood pressure and vise versa. I gained 15 lbs in 2 wks and another 20 lbs within another 3 wks. I do not crave sugar or food in general or over eat. It's been a nightmare. I am small person. But I have to stay on the Depakote and my dosage has just been doubled.
Kez360
4 Jan 2019
I take it due to g-mail sz before bed and in the morning for the same blood level reason. I've been taking it for 20 years and found with increased appetite, I gained weight. It seems like I'm always hungry. I struggled with self image and the "hangry" feelings - When I'm hungry, all else ceases to matter except getting food. Being Vegan one would think all vegan choices would be healthy. Let me just say that one can still find ways to eat unhealthy. For me, joining weight watchers has really helped me make better / healthier food and mindset choices. Having a little cooler always around with almonds, apples, celery & peanut butter etc can really help. I'm not much for pre-planning but I'm working at it. Best of luck to ALL of us in 2019!
LaurieShay
3 July 2012
Depakote made me gain weight. I found that I craved sweets more, ate more and eventaully packed on the pounds. When I stopped the depakote I quickly lost 10 lbs. If you control what you eat, don't give into the cravings and exercise, you should be able to ward off any major weight gain.
Inactive
3 July 2012
Laurie,
It seems that I simply crave sweets,on or off Depakote. I recently made a change to Lamictal from Depakote and still I am a chocoholic. Must be the happy, happy brain substance in that most delicious food. And if I allowed only a few Godiva yummies a day, satisfied my love of chocolate and kept my weight down.
Peace,
Hippie
eddieelliott
2 June 2013
Depakote is also for migraines yes, but these migraines are majority caused by low serotonin levels which increase cravings drastically. So I can see how people may associate the Depakote with craving bu again it many cases it is because of the low levels that exist.
Kellysp
6 Jan 2014
I do not believe that exercise and diet help. Depakote makes you gain weight now matter what. I used to work in an inpatient psych unit and we had patients on Depakote who would refuse to eat and they would not shed a pound. The bad thing for me is that Depakote seems to be the only mood stabilizer that has ever worked for me. I already worked off the 35 lbs it made me gain initially, but now that I am suicidal I am seriously considering taking it again and becoming a fat ass. Its really disappointing because I've worked so hard on my body.
Rajive Goel
3 July 2012
Several side effects are possible with Depakote, and weight gain does appear to be one of them. This data comes from clinical trials that extensively studied Depakote and documented its side effects.
Up to 9% of people taking Depakote reported weight gain. This was most common in people taking the drug for migraine prevention (8%) or for complex partial seizures (9%).
Depakote has a tendency of people who take it may gain weight, some suggestions include: Eating a heart-healthy diet. This diet should include: Lots of fruits, vegetables, grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products; lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts; limited amounts of saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, sodium (salt), and added sugars. Participating in regular physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week. Limiting your intake of alcohol.
If the weight gain continues, the doc may recommend other lifestyle changes or possibly switching to a different migraine, bipolar disorder, or epilepsy medicine.
Take care, best wishes!
Inactive
3 July 2012
Perfect answer Rajive, I couldn't have answered that well and I was on Depakote for over 20 years,
it did not cause weight gain but weight loss with me. Every body is different.
Peace and good health,
Hippie
Rajive Goel
4 July 2012
Thanks, yes indeed everybody is different & meds do react differently too.
Take care Hippie, stay well!
MaureenL
9 May 2014
I have been put on Depakote just recently, 3 months ago, it seems to be a good mood stabilizer, but... no matter how l try to cut down on my intake, and up my output, the weight wont budge, I need to try to maintain a healthy weight because of my chronic lower back problems and pain, and this doesnt help the matter.
It must do something to metabolism as its definatly not to do with the amount of intake I have.
I have found since starting it though that I would get hunger pangs more often, even through the night in bed, I ignore them at that time, but I never got hunger pangs ever before I went on this med.
lady2882
20 May 2014
I have found that if I cut out most sugars and all white sugar and anything made with white sugar from my diet the weight gain stopped and I have been slowly losing (about a pound every month). I was gaining so fast that I would be a balloon by now if I hadn't tried this even though I have always eaten a very balanced and healthy diet.
Catrina37
27 March 2015
Help Help ~~ My Doctors just said they selected Depokota for my Bi-Polar. I am slim and in good shape I eat well and workout. I actually do in fact have a bit of an eating disorder which I have had since a teenager. But now in my late thirties its way harder to keep the weight off and I am struggling terribly with this new Women's body I weigh 10-15 pounds more than I did in my twenties and I am horrified.
I am not sure if the extra weight is stress related but I cannot get it off no matter how much I workout and diet. I'm in a Psych hospital right now and I don't know if this medication will help me and reduce stress or will help me put on weight and lead to my suicide.
Why didn't they put me on Topamax that would help me loose weight? I have been on it before or something else were there is no risk? I don't want to need to argue with them I want to get better.
I signed up to be able to ask you this Doctor and get the other responders advise. It looks like you know what you're talking about.
Sincerely
Please advise
Related topics
depakote, depression, bipolar disorder, weight loss (obesity/overweight), anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, weight, medication
Further information
- Depakote uses and safety info
- Depakote prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Depakote (detailed)
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