Depakote ER and Depression: What Users Say

• Kir...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 2, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "Depakote ER is the only medicine I can take for my bipolar. I have side effects to every medicine I've been on for bipolar. I can't take the generic. It really bothers my stomach. It doesn't do much for depression. Anything I take for depression makes me manic. I have been on almost all medications on the market. I have to learn to live with depression and work my hardest to accept it. I've been living with bipolar for 38 years. I wish that the brand name wasn't so expensive. It's very hard for me to afford, but it must come before food if necessary."

• who...
• October 24, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been on Depakote ER for about 7 years and regularly for 5 years before. I am a rapid cycler, I think. Currently prescribed 2000 mg/day (1000 in the morning and 1000 in the evening). I notice weight gain (though it could be due to less nightly manic behavior and age), some upset stomach at times. Overall, I think it stabilizes me. Caffeine does make me feel more alive when on ER. Otherwise, I feel quite lethargic, apathetic, and less motivated. I tend to feel more like I am depressed when taking this medicine. Will look into a combination of anti-depressants."

• who...
• October 24, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been on Depakote ER for about 7 years and regularly for 5 years before. I am a rapid cycler, I think. Currently prescribed 2000 mg/day (1000 in the morning and 1000 in the evening). I notice weight gain (though it could be due to less nightly manic behavior and age), some upset stomach at times. Overall, I think it stabilizes me. Caffeine does make me feel more alive when on ER. Otherwise, I feel quite lethargic, apathetic, and less motivated. I tend to feel more like I am depressed when taking this medicine. Will look into a combination of anti-depressants."

• pee...
• November 5, 2009

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. Friends 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."

• Kmc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 29, 2023

"So I’ve been diagnosed with bipolar and then undiagnosed. I have severe MDD, crying fits, severe panic, and anxiety. I was petrified to try Depakote. I started at 250 mg ER twice a day and went up to 750 mg (250 mg three times a day). I have light sensitivity and I did gain weight, but partially that’s my fault for eating foods I should not. It has been my lifesaver. My new doctor recently lowered my dose and I feel horrible. Severe anxiety and depression, sleep issues, I’m going back up on my dose. Personally, my side effects have been minimal. Depakote is also very different as it helps produce GABA, which helps anxiety and panic disorders. I was losing hope, but it has been my lifeline."