Depakote ER and Tremors: What Users Say

• Cow...
• June 22, 2014

For Migraine Prevention "I have only been taking Depakote ER 500 mg for 10 days now, or maybe I should say nights. I take it at bedtime and was supposed to start taking it twice a day after a week, but the upset stomach, the shakes (or extra nervousness), no sign of relief of my migraines, and I haven't been able to sleep at night either. I'm going to tell my Dr. that I just can't take it anymore."

• 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."

• Cha...
• May 21, 2013

For Migraine Prevention "Medication was very effective at controlling silent migraines, but long-term use (more than 10 years) has resulted in a 60-pound weight gain, hair loss, and shakiness. Recently, I have felt very fatigued and confused."

• Anonymous
• July 1, 2010

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."

• Joa...
• September 7, 2011

For Migraine Prevention "I have been on Depakote ER for three weeks. I've had 4 migraines during this time, which is less than before the Depakote ER. My GP had me on three different medicines for prevention, but the neurologist switched me to Depakote ER. I've had a little weight gain. The problem is I'm on Weight Watchers and should be losing weight. There have been times when my hands have felt shaky (similar to too much caffeine intake). I think it's also affecting my vision. I'm going to call the doctor and ask to switch to something else. Basically, it's helped reduce my migraine frequency but not enough to live with the side effects."

• d27...
• June 18, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "I been taking 1,000 mg a day. I split up 500 in the morning and 500 at night for 3 months. I gained 35 pounds in the first month. It's a great mood stabilizer, but it only works part of the time. I have the shakes, acne, vision problems from it. I took Topamax before, it was great, but I got kidney stones from it. I need to get another med that actually works!"

• che...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 14, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I take non-generic Depakote ER 1750 mg, Haldol 4 mg, and propranolol 20 mg. I have some hair loss, insomnia, and shakiness. I believe the medicine is finally working after 17 years of trying every bipolar medication with Depakote ER. I lose my patience and get angry at customer service representatives sometimes. I lose my patience and get mildly angry at my husband, but it appears to be under control. The insomnia at times gets really bad, and I wind up calling Lifenet to cope. I will be trying melatonin 3 mg to see if this helps. I want to try 1500 mg of Depakote ER to see if my insomnia improves also."

• Joe...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 3, 2019

For Epilepsy "Controls epilepsy but bad side effects: Worst was tremors, which got worse until I got off the drug. Replaced Depakote with Briviact."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 14, 2021

For Epilepsy "It stops my seizures, but makes my hands shake like crazy. I can't even write. I shake much more when I have extreme anxiety."