Depakote and Drowsiness: What Users Say

• kel...
• December 10, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "I was falsely diagnosed bipolar, which I think was the first issue. However, Depakote on a low dose (750 mg) did alleviate some racing thoughts and was effective. Once a doctor inappropriately put me on a high dose for someone who is not bipolar (over 1000 mg), I was a zombie! It made my depression significantly worse, I gained 50 lbs, slept all day and had no feelings. I am a talkative person by nature, and on this drug I barely uttered a word. I'm sure it may work for those with true mania, but I'd say if on too high of a dose, or even a low dose, weight gain is inevitable and sugar/carb cravings. I also just feel it dulls your ability to focus and suppresses happiness. Of course, that could've just been my depression. Just wanted to warn people either way."

• Nec...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 27, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "I love this medication. It has been a lifesaver. I have anxiety that cripples me emotionally and physically, but when I started this, I literally felt a weight lift off my shoulders. At first (didn’t last long), it made me a little drowsy, but I didn’t mind, I'd rather be drowsy than panicky and fidgety with racing thoughts. I will say this medication works better for me in smaller doses. If I take 500 mg all at once, it makes me emotional. So I take 250 at night (sleep) and 250 in the morning if I need it."

• Ann...
• May 15, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been on Depakote for almost a year now. I also take Paxil and Wellbutrin. I gained around 10 lbs right from the start. My weight has seemed to have stayed steady the last few months. It's extremely hard to lose it. I have been through a lot of different medications to try and treat bipolar disorder. Even with the medicines I'm on, I'm still depressed and feel like I don't matter. I'm very sleepy and can lay down and take a nap at any time. I started taking B Complex because I stay so sleepy. My new concern is memory. I can't think of words and dates or names like movie stars very fast and it concerns me."

• jdk...
• March 1, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I am on the 500 x 2 ER, and people tell me I'm a lot 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, it kicks in. As far as weight gain goes, no changes there. Hair loss? I was already losing it. I have been on lithium, and that didn't work. Tried Tegretol as well, come to find out I am allergic. So, if I can feel normal and blood tests on liver and kidneys come back fine, hey, I will give Depakote 2 big thumbs up for a normal life."

• Iva...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 8, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "I've taken the Depakote medication since 2014, and this is the only drug that eases my symptoms without causing extreme sleepiness. Classified as a mild case, most of the time I experience hypomania. Upon finding closure in therapy to change my mindset and behavior, I've been channeling the disposition for self-development and productivity, gradually gaining confidence and control, becoming less dependent on the medication, only taking a tablet each time I'm unable to manage the irritability and distress."

• Anonymous
• November 5, 2009

For Bipolar Disorder "I have bipolar disorder. This is the only drug that's worked without breaking me out in rashes or making me feel so drugged I couldn't work or function. The only problem I have with it is it makes me a little hyper. It controls my temper well, without making me sleepy."

• Rai...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 20, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I take 1000 mg at night and 500 mg in the morning. And I'm always tired. I slept 15 hours last night, and I'm still tired after drinking 3 cups of coffee. I have bipolar disorder 2, and I don't have manic episodes anymore. Still experience delusions, but certainly less. I seem to have gained about 15-20 pounds. I also take 300 mg of Seroquel, which can cause weight gain and drowsiness. If it weren't for weight gain and drowsiness, things would be good."

• cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2013

For Epilepsy "I take this medicine for unexplained seizures. The doctor said they were caused by severe panic attacks. I don't know. It has helped a lot. But the side effects are terrible. Stomach burning, nausea, itching, drowsiness, and much more. I take a 1000 mg dose."

• Dan...
• September 22, 2009

For Epilepsy "I have been on Depakote for about two years now, and it has certainly been effective in stopping both grand mal and petit mal seizures. I was diagnosed with localization-related epilepsy when I was 21, but this drug is great in that it treats many types of epilepsy. Still, I did experience negative side effects, such as hair loss, a little weight gain, and drowsiness, although all of these were slight enough that they didn't really affect my life. Because Depakote isn't ideal for young women like myself, my doctor suggested I try another drug. After a brief stint on Keppra (which made me feel like I was walking in a haze - awful!), however, I switched back to Depakote, only this time adjusting was way harder - I was incredibly emotional."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 10, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "I'm on 1,500 mg twice a day, so I'm just bothered by the side effects, which are: 1- Laziness 2- Drowsiness (frequently) 3- Lack of ambition 4- Lack of comprehension 5- Euphoria (sometimes) 6- Nausea after being caffeinated, I completely had to stop drinking coffee. 7- Double vision."

• Joe...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 4, 2018

For Epilepsy "Makes me so drowsy all the time. I'm on 1000 mg a day. Gained 40 pounds. Affects my work and grad school. Slows down my brain and gives me anxiety. Icing on the cake is I’m balding now at age 24."