Depakote ER and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• 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."

• SFL...
• September 8, 2009

For Migraine Prevention "I have been taking Depakote ER for approximately 4 weeks now, with good results. Prior to this medication, I was experiencing frequent dull pressure-type headaches, some lasting several days, and occasional short-duration sharp migraines. Since using Depakote ER, I have had no migraines and only a couple of very mild and short-duration pressure headaches. I realize it's only been a short amount of time on this medication, but the relief has been quite noticeable for me. I have also not experienced any sudden weight gain side effects, however, just prior to starting this medication, I commenced a healthy eating regimen, which has actually caused me to lose several pounds, and which may be contributing to my weight situation."

• 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."

• 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."

• sea...
• February 6, 2012

For Migraine Prevention "My 12-year-old son has been having migraines for 2 years now. At first, it was only once every few months. However, it progressed to once or twice a week - with vision aura and speech disturbance. I took him to a pediatric neurologist, and he said it was likely from puberty. He prescribed 500 mg of Depakote ER. It seemed to start working right away. It has been almost 2 months now, and he has only had one migraine in almost 2 months. Far better than before. He hasn't had any of the noticeable side effects - hair loss, weight gain. He takes it before bedtime. It is hard to get him up in the morning, but I don't know if that is from the medicine or from going to bed too late!"

• Anonymous
• February 29, 2012

For Migraine Prevention "I, along with most people here, have had an excellent result with Depakote ER, however, the biggest side effect for me is the weight gain (10 lbs in a month!). May I add, I eat healthy and work out... it just keeps coming. I've been on Topamax for 17 months with no relief. I hope there's something else I can try that's comparable to Depakote ER. I really don't want to be obese from medicine."

• dav...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 20, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "Have been taking Depakote 1500 mg for 2 years, find it calms me down when anxiety is overwhelming. It is worth the side effects of weight gain and hair loss. I keep taking a regular dose and don't play around with dosage."

• gre...
• July 14, 2008

For Migraine Prevention "I have been on Depakote ER 1000 mg for 2 months, and it has almost solved my migraine problem. I still get a few slight nagging headaches, which are easy to treat with ibuprofen. The side effects of stomach upset and fatigue seem to be improving. I think I notice some weight gain, maybe too early to tell. So far, so good. I'm happy with this medication. My migraines were threatening my ability to earn a living, and many days were spent in bed. Things are looking up."

• 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."

• ste...
• June 10, 2008

For Migraine Prevention "Responded well to this medicine, after failing everything, including Topamax. I had severe motion component with migraine. Could not stand, roll over, or lean over without increased pain/pressure. Depakote finally worked after trying many medicines for 2 1/2 months. Just don't like the weight gain."

• 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."

• ble...
• March 11, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "Have been taking this med since 1992, with some breaks here and there. I too have been on what would seem every med for bipolar diagnosis. I take 1750 mg and also take 400 mg of Lamictal (another mood stabilizer, which seems to help with the depression). My only issue had been weight gain, which remains a problem. Ten years stable after being hospitalized for 8 months due to a manic episode and psychotic break (was only taking Topamax at that time). Would highly recommend."

• Mag...
• March 7, 2008

For Migraine Prevention "After trying Topamax for months with no relief, I have been on Depakote ER for three months with GREAT relief! I was having migraine headaches 17 out of 31 days a month, now, maybe one a month (taking Axert when I have pain). The only problem I have had is I have gained 10 pounds in less than three months. This is horrible for me, as I could have afforded to have lost 10 pounds when starting Depakote! My Dr. is going to have me try to mix in 25 mg of Topamax to suppress the appetite."

• Bip...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "After my first manic episode at 39, I was hospitalized and chose Depakote over Risperdal due to weight gain fears. It's been 2 weeks, and along with intensive therapy and a healthy lifestyle, it's definitely brought me back to reality."

• Hap...
• December 10, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "I was on Topimax 1000 mg a day for approximately 10 years. Yes, I experienced the side effects of tingling in my fingers and toes sporadically. Had a migraine maybe 1 time a year (prior I had 2 migraines a week). Finally, the Topimax became ineffective (body probably was immune) and switched to Depakote 250 mg a day (125 mg in the morning and 125 mg at bedtime). No headache! I did gain 15-20 pounds in the first 3 months - I was well aware of the possible weight gain. Weight gain is well worth it - when the alternative is migraines. Have to weigh pros and cons. Also, I take OTC 5-HTP to combat the fuzziness and such. Can't complain...."

• 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."

• Alt...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 17, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "I have had three severe manic episodes in my lifetime. First was not diagnosed. The 2nd severe mania hit in '02, and I was given Zyprexa. This took the edge off, but I would wake up in the early morning manic again, once it wore off. When Depakote was added, I really came down. I was manic-episode free for 15 years, with a relapse in ‘17. I was put on Zyprexa and lithium but was still flying high and fast - complete manic. Once a high dose of Depakote was added, I came down for good. This drug has been critical for resolving my manias. My experience with it for long-term treatment has not been good, though - lost a lot of hair, a lot of enthusiasm, and felt like I was in a stupor. I gained weight, but that has happened on all the useful drugs."

• Red...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 6, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "Other mood stabilizers I have been put on include Latuda, Lamictal, and Seroquel. Depakote beats them all in both efficacy and tolerability. Was put on this in the hospital after a suicide attempt along with 40 mg Prozac. Greatest med combo ever for my bipolar. Definitely gained some weight the first couple of months, but as I was nearly underweight before, the extra weight filled me out nicely, so I can't complain. Currently taking 1500 mg at night. Definitely helps me sleep better without making me a zombie when I wake up (Seroquel). The only thing that can be a challenge is the general grogginess I feel on this drug. Definitely not like the fog left by Seroquel, but I do yawn a lot and sometimes I need a dose adjustment. But I believe it's a worthy trade for being comfortable in my own skin for once."

• Bla...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 28, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "Wonder drug for me, although I only use it as a rescue med if I get an inkling of mania. I don’t take it all the time because I gain weight, and the hair loss is devastating. The upside is that it gives me curly hair (which also hides some of the hair loss). I lose about 50% of my hair volume. The curls slowly relax once I stop taking it. I still had waves two years after I stopped taking it full time. It’s the oddest thing. In addition to adding it as a rescue med, my doctor and I have carefully put together a drug cocktail that works for me: Effexor XR, Risperdal, and bupropion. I don’t feel over-medicated, and it took years to get the formula right. Never stop trying new meds if you aren’t getting good results."

• add...
• August 6, 2009

For Epilepsy "I have been on Depakote ER for about a year. I have had JME since I was 14 and tried Lamictal from about age 25-30 and had seizures every 6 months. Since I've been on Depakote ER, I have not had any seizures, jerks, or funny feelings in my head! It's been a year, but the only bad thing is I've gained 20 pounds."

• fis...
• April 14, 2011

For Epilepsy "I'm on 1750 mg of Depakote, which was fine for the longest time, but when the doctors added other medicines, unpleasant side effects and sometimes more seizures occurred. The only side effects I've experienced were weight gain and thinning hair, but I can help control and minimize the effects on those. It's the effects I can't control that worry me, just like it confuses me why most of my seizures coincide with my menstruation."

• Ash...
• March 27, 2018

"I have major depressive episodes and have serious derealization when I have these episodes. Depakote has literally been my lifesaver. I am on a very low dose for a therapeutic treatment - 750 mg. Though not a lot, it is the perfect dose for me. I am so much calmer and feel a better type of me than I have in so long. I sometimes forget I struggle with major depression until I skip a dose or forget to take it for a couple of days. I used to be completely anti-meds, but when you actually seek treatment and get the right medications, it's a lifesaver! I take 750 mg of Depakote and 30 mg of Celexa. My only downside with this med is the weight gain. It will happen if you aren't extremely on top of working out and eating healthy - however, I can say that when I did Weight Watchers and exercised, I was successful in losing weight - so it's not necessarily impossible. I do also sometimes get blurry eyes randomly. The benefit of the medicine and the mental clarity I get is amazing and extremely worth it."

• 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."

• Naa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 3, 2019

"I've pretty much tried every mood stabilizer and have gone from 1800 mg of lithium to only 500 mg of Depakote. I haven't noticed weight gain at 500 mg, but when I went up to 1000 mg, I did, so I came back down (and the higher dose didn't make me feel any more stabilized). My cycles last 1-3 days, and it doesn't do anything for stabilizing my mood, but I don't care anymore since I cycle so quickly I can just wait for the next day and I'm a different person (yay...) - it does help a lot though for my anger problems and cluster headaches. I still have quite a bit of pain due to my cluster headaches, but I can deal with it, and I'm pretty sure it's because the Depakote helps. It's also been said to help with schizophrenia, but it doesn't do anything for me in that department."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 26, 2021

For Epilepsy "Thought it was okay until I gained 100 pounds. Never controlled my seizures well, but nothing has. Now starting a new drug and seeing a new doctor to keep me on the Keto diet. Lost 65 lb now. Still working hard to lose more. My new neurologist could not believe a doctor would put a female on this drug. My doctor will not even prescribe it."