Divalproex sodium and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Luc...
• October 21, 2011

For Migraine Prevention "For prevention, I give Depakote a 10. I was having migraines 7 days a week. Mine began at the age of 4 (at least that's when I was old enough to put words to how it felt in my head. The doctor said I'd probably had them long before that). I have genetic and environmental migraines. Lucky me! I was in a test group that tried Depakote to see if it worked for the prevention of migraines. I went 14 days without a headache for the first time in 10 years. That was almost 30 years ago. Then the weight gain started. I already had a yo-yo weight problem. My weight (at 6' tall for a female) had never gone over 190. On Depakote, it skyrocketed to 262 lbs. Not nice! I told my neurologist who told me it was all in my head. Changed doctors, taking Topamax now!"

• 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."

• csb...
• May 5, 2010

For Migraine Prevention "Very good for helping with migraines, but if you're prone to weight gain, be careful or reconsider. I have gained about 30 pounds in 5 months. I struggle with depression, so gaining weight is not something that I'm dealing with in a good way. It came on very quickly, and I was already overweight... (Just a word of warning about the weight gain)."

• 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."

• 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."

• jes...
• August 9, 2010

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on Depakote ever since I was diagnosed (finally) with bipolar disorder. I am currently on 1000 mg per day, but have taken as high as 2000 mg per day. On 1000 mg per day, I am (or have been) somewhat stabilized, which leaves me somewhat hypomanic, which seems to be the best level for me. I say somewhat stabilized because I started to go hypomanic in the past 2 weeks, have no idea why. Going to see the doctor tomorrow. For the 2 years or so when I was on 2000 per day, I was also taking 40 mg per day of Paxil. My moods were stabilized all right, but I turned into a zombie. I have never taken another mood stabilizer, so I cannot make comparisons. Depakote makes me gain weight big time!"

• 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."

• fif...
• August 10, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "Could not afford Abilify out of pocket, started back on Depakote. I had no problem with gaining weight. I do, however, find I tend to be a little more moody, but less frequently. I take it with bupropion XR. Seems to be a decent cocktail. Not too potent, and not under-effective. I like how it does not create a sedative effect like antipsychotics."

• tro...
• March 6, 2010

For Bipolar Disorder "Took Depakote for almost ten years (300 x 3)... now I will admit I had three minor episodes in that time. Super, yes, I know, but I started at 140 lbs, in six months, I bottomed out at 206 lbs. I slept 12 hours a night, plus a nap of 2 hours in the evening. Someone finally caught the Depakote/Paxil fiasco, and lithium and Wellbutrin became my friends... more importantly, I feel like I 'woke up'. I lived the life, but it seemed so surreal looking back on it... It completely controlled me. It's not the Wellbutrin and the Paxil, it's the lack of Depakote (and for a large part, Paxil) that made me almost another person. I'm sure Depakote works for thousands of people... it just took me out of the equation too much."

• Tri...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 10, 2022

For Bipolar Disorder "Diagnosed with bipolar disorder BP1 year and a half ago. On generic brand ER (once daily in PM). Stops mania. Took a year to find the appropriate dose (750 mg). No weight gain. Exercising and eating well. Mostly sleeping well. Though on occasion must take 10-25 mg of Seroquel to help with sleep onset. Must increase water intake as it increases thirst. Eliminates paranoia, delusions, irritability, and destructive manic behaviors. My humor and empathy returned after episodes of psychosis (before my diagnosis). I’m stable now. Getting good sleep is a priority. Stimulants and THC trigger worst mania. With doctor’s supervision, I did go off Depakote to see if I could manage without having BP1 symptoms and quickly realized all symptoms returned. I immediately began taking Depakote again and all symptoms receded. This is an effective medicine for BP1. BP1 is a treatable illness. Depakote helps me live a full life."

• hek...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 15, 2014

For Epilepsy "I was put on Depakote when I was 17 when I started to have seizures due to head trauma from a motorcycle accident. Initially, my dose was higher, I don't remember exactly how high, but then I was lowered to Depakote ER 500 mg once a day. As long as I took my medicine and didn't drink as much as before and got regular sleep, I did not have any seizures. When I've run out of the medication and went out and drank (like an idiot), I had a seizure the next day. This happened to me like 3 times, but it's my own fault. Anyway, as long as I take it daily and control any other factors that could cause a seizure, I'm seizure-free. I've never had a seizure while taking this. The first side effects were slight hair loss, which stopped. But I did gain weight."

• Anonymous
• November 18, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been bipolar for 20 years and have tried many medicines, with Depakote and lithium being the worst. I also needed antidepressants too. I went from 117 lbs to 225 lbs in 2 years on Depakote, and being a zombie, I did not notice the huge weight gain. I switched to Lamictal and Effexor and felt so much better. I started a daily exercise program and was able to cut down on food and lost over 100 lbs within 2 years."

• Ala...
• August 2, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "I take 2500 mg Depakote per day for rapid cycling bipolar disorder, and it works very well. I've been taking this dose for 4 years. Few side effects apart from the inevitable weight gain and some hair loss. Depakote keeps the mood swings away for good and doesn't impair my movements or thoughts. I prefer this mood stabilizer."

• Ock...
• December 28, 2010

For Bipolar Disorder "Been on Depakote for 6 months and gained 30 pounds, now with the disorder I worry about my weight like crazy. I also take Geodon, which has slowed me down, with no motivation at all. Beginning to wonder if it's all worth it. I do notice I never want to argue with anyone at work, and at home, I'm quiet 24/7."

• 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."

• Jim...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 25, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "I have been suffering from migraines for about 15 years. On average, I would have a migraine at least weekly, sometimes more. About 8 years ago, I started on Depakote. I went from having migraines at least monthly to 1 or 2 a year. The last count was I hadn't had any for over 2 years. Now, just recently, I started having migraines more frequently. I have experienced some weight gain, but not sure if it's the aging process or the meds."

• Joh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 29, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I had a very rapidly fluctuating merry-go-round of symptoms, particularly psychotic-type symptoms, and Depakote didn't seem to have any effect. Cycling continued. It also made me physically slow and caused weight gain that mostly dropped after going off of it."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Eko...
• July 11, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "I was finally diagnosed with bipolar disorder early this year after spending most of my life not knowing what was going on with me. I was prescribed Depakote at 750 mg a day to start with. I'd never had any other medication, so I cannot compare it to anything else, but without it, I don't think I would be here now. I got that bad with my mood swings becoming so severe. Yes, I've put on a little weight, but I'd rather that than go back to how I was. Yes, at times I'm still hyper and then exhausted for a few days, still better than being erratic and bouncing off the walls for days/weeks on end. I know it won't work for everyone, but I'm doing much better with it."

• Anonymous
• May 11, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "I take 1000 mg a day for bipolar II. I first went on this medicine at 200 mg back in September of last year when I was in a manic episode and was first diagnosed. At that time, they also put me on quetiapine and citalopram. I am not just on Epilim. I am stable apart from a couple of days a month when I am very down. Reading the reviews, I am totally relieved to hear that other people just don't feel full on this medicine - I am constantly hungry. I never feel full and eat and eat. I go to the gym four times a week to try and counteract this, though. I have gained 28 lbs since starting to take this medicine, and I'm really trying to lose it, but it's tough, to be honest. Better than me being mad, though."

• Anonymous
• May 29, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "I started taking Depakote 500 mg with Lexapro about 2 years ago. It made me feel like a zombie all day but worked well on my swings from extreme anxiety to deep depression and crying spells. I was very tired all day and had a hard time waking up for work, so we reduced to 250 mg daily. That seemed to be the sweet spot for me. I don't think I have many side effects from it besides maybe trouble losing weight. I'm very active and eat well but never seemed to get any weight off. I would also occasionally feel disconnected and distant from the world, but this was rare. I can't imagine life without Depakote, it has its problems, but I can function again."

• So-...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 14, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I haven't really had a major manic episode since I started Depakote. However, it did not help me with normal agitation, violent thoughts, or anger. But trade-offs were weight gain, significant hair loss, and tremor. I was on 1250 mg/d and decreased to 750 mg/d. Cutting down didn't make me feel any difference. I wish this works out for most of you since this is one of the main therapies for maintenance."