Depakote ER and Tiredness: What Users Say

• Mad...
• December 4, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on generic Depakote for 12 years. Prior to it, I took lithium for 28 years. On Depakote, I lost 30 pounds and did not have hair loss. I do get tired in the afternoon and take a nap. I feel the medication helps me live a good life. I believe I would be dead without medication that keeps me from being manic."

• Car...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 4, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "I am very pleased so far with my experience taking Depakote. Before Depakote, I was taking Seroquel for quite some time (a couple of years), and although I was happy on that medicine, I was way too tired. Luckily, my solution was Depakote. All I can say is I have tried medicine for 4 years now, and it has been a long journey! I will always remember my first time taking Depakote. Normally, I get very fearful and panic that the med will make me sick. Not Depakote. Instead, I felt immediately better, happy even, and giggled. Once that wore off, I felt normal and slept an hour or two after taking it. I enjoy how I still get tired on this medication like Seroquel, but it does not overwhelm my senses with sedation and fog my memory as much. If anything, I have never been more myself! The only thing is now sometimes I laugh too much."

• Zee...
• April 9, 2011

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."

• 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."

• jam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "Depakote has worked great for me. It totally helps with mania. The only medication that clears up my head and makes me feel normal. Also, it gets rid of my migraines. The only bad thing is a few side effects. I gained weight, and my hair fell out. And I was pretty lethargic at first. Takes a while, but once it kicks in, I felt like a whole person. I was off of it for a long time and recently was put back on it, so going through side effects again, but felt a difference right away."

• ved...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 18, 2013

For Epilepsy "51 yr old female. I've had seizures since I was 12, every kind. I was on every medicine under the sun. Taking Depakote ER and Carbatrol ER seems to be the only meds that work for me. Some side effects, nothing I can't handle, better than having seizures all day. (tired, sometimes depressed, trembles, jerks). I have grand mal/tonic-clonic about 1 every 10 years."

• 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."

• tn2...
• April 9, 2009

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."

• MJR...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 28, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "This has been the most helpful migraine preventative - my migraines were becoming a full-time disability, and for the first time in a long time, I’m hopeful - my doctor added 20-30 mg of Vyvanse (stimulant - a very low dose) to suppress appetite and lethargy, and it is amazing - no appetite, no weight gain, and I’m energetically working full-time. Fingers crossed it keeps working. Try the stimulant to prevent the weight gain!"