Divalproex sodium and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 14, 2012

For Bipolar Disorder "I am 20 and on 750 mg of Depakote a day. Gained 10-15 pounds within the first month of taking this medication, but now my weight is remaining stable. I am eating healthier and running each day, though. When I first started taking it, I was so restless/anxious, I had to pace around like mad. It took about 3 weeks to really end my mania in combination with 2 mg risperidone. I am experiencing easy bruising now. Sleeping 10 hours a night. Have an irregular period. In general, I move more slowly. I am cloudy in the morning. I don't get upset with my family anymore."

• els...
• November 24, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "I was diagnosed with bipolar type II almost 2 months ago at age 40. It was long overdue. My psychiatrist started me on Depakote 250 mg twice a day and Wellbutrin SR 150 mg in the morning. Also take trazodone or Ambien to sleep. I can tell that my moods are much more stable on Depakote, no more hypomania and staying up a week at a time. It's a relief to get back to much more normal, but I do miss the hypomania in many ways (I work full time, have a family, and go to graduate school for a double master's degree-- hypomania was great with those things at once). I am still on Depakote 250 mg twice a day. Depakote will change my life as long as my body tolerates it. I'm trying to deal with the ravenous appetite. Up 10 lbs already."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• December 3, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "Been on this medicine for more than ten years. The 8/10 is for it is due to its overall minor side effects over time, and its very powerful effects when not taken consistently. Be advised. This medication works best when taken at the exact time(s) every day, and I have experienced all other symptoms people have described as bothersome, but this is not the typical take it to be a walking zombie pill. I also don't think people realize how much they are moving when manic, and when on this medication, you calm down. So it's completely natural to want to sit around all day and watch T.V. I also have gained weight and have difficulty shedding the pounds, however, I would rather be sane and curvy. I weighed 130 lbs starting, now am 178 lbs."

• 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!"

• tee...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 20, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been taking Depakote at 1000 mg for the past year and a half. I also take Risperdal at 1 mg and just added Zoloft at 100 mg as well. The only positive thing this medicine has done for me is rid me of mania. I am constantly depressed and have persistent suicidal/negative thoughts. I feel like I have been sleepwalking through my life since I have been put on this medication. Also, I have gained 50 pounds and am so hungry all the time. I also have zero libido. When I say zero, I mean zero. I have had sex on this medication, and it was the most unenjoyable experience ever. Just nothing. Next time I go to see my psychiatrist, I am going to ask to switch medications. This might work for some, but it has not worked for me in the slightest."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 14, 2012

For Migraine Prevention "Before Depakote, I've tried vitamin B2, verapamil, and Topamax, but for one reason or another, none of them have worked. About 6 months ago, my doctor started me on Depakote. Once I started using it, my daily headaches became a lot more tolerable, but haven't gone away completely, and my severe migraines are at about once a month. However, like many others, there was a noticeable weight gain-about 20 pounds-soon after I started, and it's been pretty steady since. I've also had a bout of depression recently, but it's hard to tell how that's related to the medicine because it isn't my first time. As of right now, I'm not sure the minor benefits are worth the side effects."

• 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."

• Kar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 9, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "Didn't realize how great it was till it was gone. After 4 years of failed cocktails until I found Depakote with Zoloft. I was on it for 3-5 months @1250mg and had excessive weight gain, insatiable hunger, but worth it! I was productive, positive, stabilized, making plans and following through. Then liver enzymes high @ 6 mo. and abruptly taken off... horrible move by panicked doctor. On my third medicine since and all bad results. Any opinions on Depakote retry while protecting my liver with milk thistle & turmeric? My last blood work was best it's ever been. I have no faith in my doctor and am seeking a new one."

• mop...
• June 4, 2010

For Bipolar Disorder "My 17-year-old daughter started taking Depakote 750 mg 1 1/2 months ago. She has gained 28 pounds. When the dose was upped to 1500 mg, she had daily migraines. We have seen several improvements in her symptoms, but not enough to keep her on a medication that makes her gain weight and decreases her self-esteem."

• 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!"

• lin...
• March 14, 2014

For Epilepsy "Taking Depakote for grand mal seizures since I was 12. I'm 28, it has always worked unless I don't take it. It thinned out my hair, made me gain 15 lbs, and makes me really tired. I take 1000 mg a day. It is very toxic for your liver, you really should not drink on it! Working out helps with battling the tiredness. Hoping to switch to Lamictal again. I hate the side effects, but it works great for grand mal seizures!"

• Kay...
• April 23, 2011

For Migraine Prevention "Depakote worked great as a migraine preventative, but caused a weight gain of over 100 pounds in less than 3 months. It also caused non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (aka extreme fatty liver). I also now have Type 2 diabetes. My body was shutting down because of Depakote. If you decide to take it, please, please, please keep up with the blood tests to check liver function and see your doctor immediately if you have sudden weight gain. By the way, after over 12 years, the last 50 pounds of that weight gain is stubbornly hanging on."

• Rox...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "Depakote has overall been a very good experience for me. I started it about two months ago, and I have not had a manic episode since. I was on Lamictal for 8 years, I went all the way up to 500 mg, and it touched on it and even caused motor tics. The reason why I was able to last that long on it was because Klonopin was masking the symptoms. Once I discontinued, the motor tics vanished. I did not lose hair on the Depakote or have any nasty side effects, but I did gain weight. Now it's stable, and I changed my diet and started exercising. It increases appetite and slows down metabolism, especially in women. But overall, I would say great medication! I no longer need the Klonopin either, which became habit forming."

• Cpc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2014

For Migraine Prevention "I have struggled with migraines for 14 years. I have tried so many medications over the years. The past 3 years, my migraines have gotten worse. I have been put in the hospital for a week to a week and a half at a time. The last time I went to the neurologist, they added Depakote twice a day to see if it would help cut back on the number of migraines I was having. I would have at least one a day. I was currently on Topamax twice a day, Fioricet, and Zofran. When I started Depakote, I noticed my weight was going up. Well, I have been on the medication 3 months now, and I have gained 40 pounds. This is so crazy. I used to weigh 298 lbs, and I don't want to go back there when my scale started going over the 200 mark again."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• March 1, 2012

For Migraine Prevention "Taking Depakote for migraine prevention. My headaches finally went away after a year and a half of chronic migraines. Free for 7 months, but my headaches have returned now. I've also gained 10 pounds since I started the medication, had some hair loss at the beginning, and I do have a problem with constant anxiety."