Depakote User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

• soc...
• April 3, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "I have been having migraines for 3 years. I took a beta blocker that didn't work. Then got put on Depakote for migraines. I was on it for a month with no big migraines unless I had my trigger food. Then I realized I gained 5 pounds, was tired all the time, and broke out like I had never been before. The medicine works for migraines but has terrible side effects. Had to stop taking."

• Her...
• July 14, 2017

For Epilepsy "Have taken this med for 28+ years with no seizures during this time. I have experienced no side effects except that my hair has become very curly. Lots of compliments! No downside. I am seizure-free. No other med has worked for me."

• Man...
• March 10, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "Started having migraines about ten years ago. The only treatment that has ever worked for me is Depakote. Everybody is different, but for me this was a Godsend. Nothing worked, and Topamax was only a temporary solution. The thing is that after a two-month regimen, my headaches completely went away. I stopped taking the medication for two or three years before my migraines returned. I went on another regimen, and again I went several years without a headache. Yes, I did have slight weight gain, and yes, it did affect my ability to perform sexually, but I did not have to continue taking it for more than 3 months. Cysticercosis as a child and a catalyst of factors cause my headaches. Depakote works."

• Rus...
• June 17, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "Since 2006, I have been on some sort of med for my depression or what my family doctor thought was depression. First med was Lexapro, and boy, did it send me into a manic stage. Never felt so high in my life, a cloud was lifted. That drug worked for a while, but soon after, it lost its effectiveness. Tried about every SSRI on the market until we ran out, and at that point, I did not want to live anymore. Family doctor sent me to a psychiatric hospital in which I saw my first psychiatrist, who said my OCD was the root of my depression, so he put me on Luvox along with my Klonopin. After a while, I seemed better, but not for long. Been on Depakote ER 1000MG ever since, and everything seems fine, except weight gain. Mood better."

• BAE...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 30, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "Depakote worked for me as a mood stabilizer, but caused a lot of side effects. Weight gain = 30 pounds in 3 months and pancreatitis. Doctors didn't realize the pancreatitis was from the combination of two of my medications until I had it three times - pancreatitis is excruciatingly painful and led to me losing my job from losing so much time at work. I'm giving this medication a low rating even though it worked well for my mood because there are so many other medications out there for bipolar that are weight neutral and don't cause organ damage."

• Anonymous
• April 6, 2008

For Mania "I have been using Depakote for over one year, and it has helped me with my manic episodes. I have not had any since I started the medicine. It does not, however, do much in regard to racing thoughts and helping me stay positive. Hoping for a cure : )"

• Nic...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 30, 2015

For Epilepsy "Before I came to the US, I was taking other medications for epilepsy, but upon dealing with a US doctor, he recommended 2000 mg of Depakote daily. I immediately went to the library and checked the side effects, which were considerable. I asked the doctor if I could take a smaller dose, but he didn't think it wise. I decided to take matters into my own hands and reduce my dosage. I have been taking 250 mg now for 35 years with no seizures. Early on, I found that when I took long flights to Asia and missed sleep and became dehydrated, I would increase my dosage, and then when I came back home, I would slowly lower it again. I don't believe I am suffering from any side effects of this drug."

• the...
• August 11, 2010

For Bipolar Disorder "I've read many people have been gaining weight from this drug. This is why it is SO important you care about your health from day one, and it should be a part of your lifestyle and regimen, no matter what. This way, whatever the side effects are of the medicine, you're on top of your game and won't get hit as hard. I've been on many bipolar medications which make you gain weight, but I barely noticed because I work out and eat very healthy. It's of utter importance that you lay down a solid, healthy foundation before and during therapy. The healthy lifestyle will also make the medicine work better. It's common sense."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 28, 2016

For Epilepsy "This medicine took 3 weeks to fully kick in. I had the side effect of increased appetite, but I haven't gained any weight because I eat a low-carb diet and work out 4 times a week. I do not have any side effects anymore, and this mostly controls my temporal lobe epilepsy."

• P I...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 19, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "Depakote has proved a good med to keep me from being manic, has twice brought me down from mania, both times with increased dosage. Much more effective than antipsychotics alone, namely Abilify, Zyprexa, and Seroquel. Now I am on 2 grams a day, split into 1 gram doses twice a day. Great for mania, not for depression. I'm currently in a depressive episode, recently started another med for that, alongside the Depakote. I struggle to control my appetite on Depakote, but eating healthy, wholesome meals helps me not to give in to unhealthy cravings. Good outweighs the bad for me :)"

• Med...
• December 2, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I've taken a lot of meds in 19 years and took Depakote for around 1 year. Weight gain about the same as Lithium. This drug gave me hallucinations at night and freaked me out big time. Beware. I didn't hallucinate before the drug, and now that I've stopped it 6 months ago - no Depakote = no hallucinations."

• Mel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 2, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I am not very fond of Depakote. When I took it, it didn't improve my mood swings that much. In the beginning, it made me nauseous and caused my hair to fall out. No, I didn't go bald, but it thinned out my hair enough that my hairstylist noticed. Eventually, my hair stopped falling out, but I gained a lot of weight and I had very bad tremors and bad coordination. If you do decide to take this medicine, make sure your doctor tests your blood regularly. I think you are supposed to have your blood tested every 6 months."

• Anonymous
• June 20, 2012

For Bipolar Disorder "Manic bipolarism for 7 years. Know I'm a type 'A' person, Depakote, Effexor, Xanax. I come from the medical field, lab, and have seen people come in for blood work on everything from lithium to Thorazine. I have (with M.D. agreement) backed down from 500 mg ER Depakote to 250 mg ER every evening along with a sleeping pill. The sleeping pill is new, so next time I will give the name. When 'they' found me, I was so gone into what we call our 'BLACK HOLE.' I truly have no idea what all they tried...BUT the Depakote, according to my wife (nurse for 34 yrs), was my marriage and lifesaver."

• Pat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 12, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I started up on 250 mg and ended up at 1500 mg. I noticed very subtle effects, if any. Hard to remember, I went through a lot and was on Seroquel also at the time. Seemed to have a slight calming effect. However, after time, it raised my liver enzymes and lowered my platelet count (which is a potential side effect). So I went off of it. I don't have many hypomanic episodes and never a manic episode, so I don't know why my dose got that high. Didn't notice anything significant. Gained 20 lbs, made me sick and tired. Wasn't for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "My 14-year-old son went on Depakote about 3 months ago for abdominal migraines and head migraines. After trying a number of other migraine medicines, Depakote was the only medication that stopped the continual vomiting, nausea, and headache he had been experiencing for over 2 months. It did take 4 weeks for the medication to build up in his system to prevent the symptoms. He is now on 750 mg of Depakote and feeling great! The only side effect he is experiencing is weight gain, but we believe with proper diet and exercise he will be able to control that."

• kyg...
• November 17, 2010

For Migraine Prevention "I have had migraines most of my 67 years. 5 yrs ago I found a doctor who prescribed Depakote 250 mg. My migraines decreased from one per month to maybe five in the past five years. Taken in combination with sumatriptan succinate tablets (only when I feel the onset of a migraine), I have a life mostly without pain."

• 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."

• sim...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 1, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "I have a migraine 4 to 6 times per week. I have tried Maxalt, OTC drugs such as acetaminophen, Excedrin, Advil, PM meds like Advil PM, amitriptyline, and now Depakote. Depakote has done nothing at all to improve my migraines. At this point, I wonder if anything is going to ever help my migraines. All of the meds I mentioned above do not help. I'm at my wit's end. I tried Topamax too a few years ago, and it made me so nauseous and didn't help my migraines. I had an MRI done, and the ENT doctor said there were no brain abnormalities seen on the MRI disc. I don't want to be a guinea pig (hey, try this), or a medical mystery. All I want is some pain relief. Caffeine doesn't help, nor does alcohol. Does anyone have any advice? Thanks!"

• YDP...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 11, 2013

For Migraine Prevention "I've always suffered from migraines. I take 500 ER twice a day and gained 16 lbs in less than 3 weeks. Since I'm already overweight, this caused severe back pain in which I can barely walk, and my legs are numb. Works wonders for my migraine, but the side effects aren't worth it!"

• Lwa...
• October 6, 2009

For Mania "I have been on Depakote for 4 years now, and I haven't had an episode of hypermania. This has changed my life. I have gained about 40 pounds, but it is a small price to pay for the positive changes. I control the anxiety with occasional Klonopin. I am working on a healthy diet and exercise for the weight."

• Sav...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 26, 2022

For Bipolar Disorder "I've spent my life since puberty trying various SSRIs and one SNRI with poor outcomes. Finally, I received a BP2 diagnosis, and since then have been on this medication for a little over a year. I've had neither crushing lows nor frenzied highs since starting this medicine. Even old triggers, like poor sleep or the onset of wintertime, do not cause me much disturbance anymore. This is the only drug I take for my condition. It has significantly curbed my anger and anxiety as well. The only side effects are nausea and stomach cramps if I take it on an empty stomach. The pills smell like vanilla and have a coating that makes it easy to swallow (doesn't stick to your throat). For the first time in a decade, I feel very close to 'normal.' I have hope for my future. For me, this medicine has been a blessing. Bipolar is a serious neurological condition, never be afraid to seek help and advocate for yourself. To all reading: you've got this, and I believe in you!"

• Gag...
• October 6, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I honestly don't know how many stars to give this medication as much as I've never had such an experience. I was in a coma-like sleep when my therapist came, I heard myself say, 'we need to go to the airport,' when actually I never said anything at all. I felt drunk waking up, started losing my hearing, and it got cloudy. I only took it for a month, but being in that state of mind frightened me. I gave it up, and my hearing is mostly back, about 98 percent, but my balance and coordination still suffer from the medication but have improved since I stopped it. I was so upset that I called the FDA and reported my experience, I would hate for anyone to go through that. On the plus side? When I was awake and aware and not 'drunk,' it did help my manic episodes."

• Wil...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 4, 2016

For Epilepsy "I currently take Zonegran-I love love love it!-Prior to this, I took Depakote-for me, this drug sucked-I was lethargic, my hair fell out in clumps. I went from weighing 225 lbs to 389 lbs, and I developed sleep apnea. I was taking 500 mg of Depakote four times per day-2000 mg of this stuff. I had several seizures in my sleep, one where I fractured my ankle on the bed frame. The weight was the worst, I could not control it. I wish I could submit a picture of myself while being on this stuff. After I got off this drug, I lost 160 lbs. My dad saw the before pic and didn't know who I was. Maybe this works for some, but not for me. I would never take this again!"

• Man...
• May 15, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "Noticed that Depakote improved stability of mood and reduced depression. However, it did not help with mania mood swings. This drug also totally removed my libido. I have never experienced such an inability for sexual activity than while taking this drug. A week after stopping the drug, and sexual libido is back. I would avoid this drug if male."

• Dep...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 4, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "After the birth of my daughter, I had a depressive episode. I would like to note I was 40 pounds overweight after having my daughter, normal after childbirth. I delivered a healthy baby, and my pregnancy had no complications, and I had normal lab results on physicals before Depakote. After being on it, I ballooned up another 40 pounds. The Depakote messed with my thyroid issues, gave me obesity, sleeping about sixteen hours a day, mental fog, severe fatigue, depression, and fatty liver diagnosis. I like walking every day, and after the depabloat, I could not get the energy to walk anymore. The doctor blamed everything on me (wonderful doctor). Before Depakote, I did not have any of these problems. So beware. The professionals can care less what the medication does to you. I wouldn’t take this medication again. This was all over the course of eight months. The doctors will blame you for every adverse side effect to cover their own bottoms when prescribing this crud of a medication."