Divalproex sodium User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)
Brand names: Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkles
Divalproex sodium has an average rating of 6.6 out of 10 from a total of 486 reviews on Drugs.com. 52% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 24% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Divalproex sodium
- akc
- September 27, 2014
Depakote (divalproex sodium) for Bipolar Disorder "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?"
- Boss...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- April 27, 2019
Depakote (divalproex sodium) for Migraine Prevention "I was on Depakote 500 mg once a day with no effect on my migraines. BUT I have noticed I’m no longer impulsively spending. So I guess it’s possible that I’m bipolar as well...? My doctor has upped my dose to twice a day and so far so good. No headache this month and adding to my savings every week lol."
- Bipolar
- April 2, 2016
Depakote (divalproex sodium) for Bipolar Disorder "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."
- clems...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 8, 2015
Depakote (divalproex sodium) for Bipolar Disorder "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."
Are you taking this medicine?
- jdk
- March 1, 2013
Depakote (divalproex sodium) for Bipolar Disorder "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) for Bipolar Disorder "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."
- Stacey...
- April 25, 2013
Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) for Bipolar Disorder "I was recently hospitalized during a manic episode. I have been treated for bipolar going on 20 years ( I'm 41). I have been on Zyprexa and other medicines for anxiety. I am a rapid cycler (frequent manic episodes). I have tried all the meds from A-Z. It's been a awhile since I've tried Depakote, but it's the first thing they put me on in the hospital. It's been 15 days I think it's ok, but when I lay down I feel like weights are holding me to the bed and I seem to get disorientated as to my location in the house ( weird right??). When I get up all is fine again. If anyone has experienced this please share, it would really help. Let's face it "regular" people would freak just having this discussion. "
- Anonymous
- October 3, 2012
Depakote (divalproex sodium) for Bipolar Disorder "Depakote has been a life saver for me. I take 250mg in the morning and 500mg at bedtime. Weight gain was minimal. 5 lbs that I have lost recently by going on the South Beach Diet. I also take 200mg Zoloft. I sleep okay, but usually need a nap in the afternoon. I look forward to my life now instead of just existing."
- Rhond...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- December 9, 2020
Depakote (divalproex sodium) for Migraine Prevention "I've had migraines since the age of 12 and I'm in my mid fifties. I had chronic common migraines for years, up to about 15 or more a month. Tried every prophylactic out there with no success until I tried Depakote 500mg ER at night. Took about 2 weeks and I have not had a headache in over a month, and when I do have one I take 50 mg of Sumatriptan and its gone in 10 minutes. Its been a miracle for me and has changed my life! Only side effect is increased hunger but I'm managing that. I take that over pain that took over my life any day!"
- Nosou...
- August 4, 2009
Depakote (divalproex sodium) for Mania "I was in a manic state, unable to sleep, racing thoughts. My doctor prescribed Depakote. This was a miracle drug for me! My manic state dissipated, along with the severe anxiety. I was able to sleep."
- Barb
- Taken for 10 years or more
- January 14, 2020
Depakote (divalproex sodium) for Migraine Prevention "I have been taking Depakote over 20 years for migraines. Tried everything out there and this is the only drug that helped at all. I had no side effects. However, after about 15 years, I had to increase the dose from 500 to 1,000 daily. About four years after that, found that my osteoporosis had significantly worsened. Just a warning if you are a woman nearing menopause or past menopause, keep an eye on bone density as this drug can potentially reduce that with long-term use or high dosage."
- theni...
- August 11, 2010
Depakote (divalproex sodium) for Bipolar Disorder "I've read many people have been gaining weight from this drug. This is why it is SO important you care about your health from day one and it should be a part of your lifestyle and regimen, no matter what. This way, whatever the side effects are of the medicine, you're on top of your game and won't get hit as hard. I've been on many bipolar medications which make you gain weight, but I barely noticed because I work out and eat very healthy. It's of utter importance that you lay down a solid, healthy foundation before and during therapy. The healthy lifestyle will also make the medicine work better. It's common sense."
- BellaSN
- July 22, 2015
Depakote (divalproex sodium) for Bipolar Disorder "This was my first medication for Bi-Polar, I'm a 40 year old woman and a long distance runner. This medication was great because it made the rapid thoughts and anxiety go away. However if you're an athlete like I am, I found this difficult as it caused extreme fatigue to the point where I was a couch potato not wanting to do anything. I gained 10 pounds in the first month and found it exhausting to run even a mile where I'm accustomed to running much more. My doctor is switching me to Topamax, today will be my first day taking it and I'm praying for good results."
- mdan
- March 26, 2008
Depakote (divalproex sodium) for Mania "I have been using Depakote for nearly eight years now and has kept my mania episodes under control. The only thing is I have weight gain from using this medication but thats a small price to pay. thank you"
- DebiAvi
- Taken for 10 years or more
- April 7, 2020
Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) for Bipolar Disorder "I was diagnosed with Bipolar I, forty years ago. On Lithium first. Made me worse. Treated with over 30 drugs, all made me worse, before realizing Depakote ONLY was the Med for me. A doc explained to me that folks who lean towards mania should not take anti-depressants. Hindsight! Then, after years of Benzo’s PRN, I started experiencing interdose withdrawals that wrecked my entire immune system. NEVER take Benzo’s!!! Trying to get off of them almost killed me. I got down to 95 pounds. Also, coming off of them is DANGEROUS! Must be done SLOWLY under the guidance of a medical professional who is experienced with the withdrawal risks and tapering schedules. Google the CNN Lisa Ling special. Now with anything I try one new medicine at a time under close medical supervision. Then I know what it does FOR and TO me. Less is more. After years of being on various cocktails, Depakote alone is best for me."
- gfano
- Taken for 10 years or more
- May 28, 2020
Depakote (divalproex sodium) for Mania "I have taken Depakote (or a 'good' generic) of this medication for nearly 3 decades. It is very effective, has few side effects (with the exception of weight gain which is responsive to diet and exercise). This is a far more effective and moderate drug than what I was initially prescribed (Lithium-on which I hallucinated and felt terrible). I've had no long term effects to date, maintain my dosage and lead a healthy life with this medication. Be careful when using GENERICS...some vary immensely. Let your doctor and pharmacist know immediately if you have issues. (IE: Find the right generic or return to the original Depakote brand). Lovely and effective for a "unipolar" patient that I am."
- 46j15...
- August 18, 2016
Depakote (divalproex sodium) for Bipolar Disorder "Depikote was prescribed to me after 2 manic episodes. I've been on a lot of bipolar meds so many that have made me so depressed I spent a whole summer in bed. Depikote def saved my life. It's been a year now a little anxiety but not nearly as much as I've had in the past and a little weight gain and tiredness. But no mania and very little to no depression so thankyou depikote I rate u a 10 it's been a year and no mania :) ur a life saver I take 1500 mg though to so that might be y I'm so tired"
- qwert...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- August 26, 2017
Depakote (divalproex sodium) for Bipolar Disorder "Love this medication, after 2-3 years of severe long lasting manic episodes finally decided to take meds full time. Hardly any side effects, very hungry, simply eat normally and you wont put weight on, the medication doesn't make you fat, eating does. Occasionally very tired and my stomach from time to time gets a little funny, just take with lots of water and food. Very calm, can concentrate, no racing thoughts, level, basically gave me my life back, works well at 750 even though I'm 80kgs, Dr upped me to 1000mg but felt too sedated so dropped back down. I move to 1000mg if I feel like I'm starting to drift a little for a few weeks then move back. However, this is the 7th med I have tried, all others have failed, never write one med off"
- Anonymous
- October 15, 2012
Depakote (divalproex sodium) for Bipolar Disorder "This medication has kept me stable for 4 years. I am now 23 and was on 1000mgs at night. I recently went down as my bloodtests came back to high. So I went back down to 700mg and had another manic episode. I am now in the process of finding a antipsychotic to go with it. I have managed to stay 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"
- D Peo...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 22, 2015
Depakote (divalproex sodium) for Bipolar Disorder "My husband says Depakote is having a positive impact on me as well as our family! I'm not in bed all day or hanging around the bedroom. I'm up and about the house. Since decluttered, even organized! My personality has blossomed too. The last six years I tried a wide spectrum of medications; Seroquel, Lamictal, Latuda, zonisamide, carbamazepine to name a few! My bipolar worsened five years ago after our last child. The side effects were hair shedding within three weeks but no significant weight gain. I have always had a thick head of hair so it's not really noticeable but I can tell one side limp and not hanging full. I've started biotin along with a multivitamin. My Doc also told me to try a zinc a supplement. Overall I feel it is working."
- knopie
- September 24, 2008
Depakote (divalproex sodium) for Mania "This stuff works great. I have recommended this medication to many ohters who have similar symptoms regarding bi-polar and hyprer-mania. I am very fortunate to have been diagnosed correctly and to have been treated correctly with Depakote. I have noticed the changes myself and so have many others."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 10 years or more
- September 28, 2022
Depakote (divalproex sodium) for Bipolar Disorder "My husband has bi-polar. When we first started dating, I didn't know he was bi-polar but everyday was crazy until he had a nervous breakdown and this great doctor put him on Depakote. It took a while but he got back to handling life and being more of his self. Don't get me wrong there are still bad days, where he needs to sleep all day or he's ready to fight everyone but I try to be his anchor no judgements but just being there for him. I married him for better or for worse and it's now been 14 years. He's now on disability with Medicaid, helps a lot. I love him. He knows that no matter what"
- handc...
- May 1, 2009
Depakote (divalproex sodium) for Migraine Prevention "I've suffered with bad migraines as far back as I can remember and finally after 52 years they got so severe I ended up in hospital. A new doctor took my history and decided to try Depakote (500mg) for 2 weeks and then in 2 weeks double the dose. I started with the 500mg and never had to double the dose. This July 2nd 09 it will have been 2 years without any kind of headache. Not even a little one. THANKS Depakote."
- Becca
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- August 29, 2014
Depakote (divalproex sodium) for Migraine Prevention "Used this for a few months as recommended to prevent my frequent and painful migraines that I've had since I was 12. Depakote was okay I guess. I still had two major migraines while on it, and didn't give it any extra time because the side effects are awful! I wanted to sleep constantly. Felt depressed and irritable, and hated life! Plus, the weight gain alone I experienced in a couple months was absolutely enough reason for me to not want to be on it anymore.... I gained about 15-20 lbs!"
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.
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Depakote (divalproex sodium) for Bipolar Disorder "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."