Comparing Depakote ER vs Divalproex Sodium

For Bipolar Disorder I was recently hospitalized during a manic episode. I have been treated for bipolar going on 20 years ( I'm 41). I have been on Zyprexa and other medicines for anxiety. I am a rapid cycler (frequent manic episodes). I have tried all the meds from A-Z. It's been a awhile since I've tried Depakote, but it's the first thing they put me on in the hospital. It's been 15 days I think it's ok, but when I lay down I feel like weights are holding me to the bed and I seem to get disorientated as to my location in the house ( weird right??). When I get up all is fine again. If anyone has experienced this please share, it would really help. Let's face it "regular" people would freak just having this discussion.

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 15 yrs, w/ relapse in ‘17. I was put on zyprexa and lithium but was still flying high and fast - complete manic. Once high dose of depakote 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, and a lot of enthusiasm and felt like I was in a stupor. I gained weight, but that has happened on all the useful drugs.

For Bipolar Disorder First, I was put on Divalproex during a hypomanic episode that wouldn't end even with five different psych drugs. The Divalproex worked quickly to quell the hypomania, but at 1000 mg/day this drug's side effects were unbearable. Chronic diarrhea, rapid weight gain of 30 pounds, shaking hands, finger tremors, excessive tiredness during the day, lack of coordination when walking, lack of concentration, & two thirds of my long hair fell out in clumps. My psychiatrist started lowering the Divalproex gradually down to 500 mg/day, & she withdrew three of the other drugs also. All the side effects subsided. Now I'm just taking 500 mg Divalproex per day along with 40 mg Latuda & my moods have been really stable!

For Bipolar Disorder Worked well, controlled my mood swings and hallucinations. Unfortunately I gained 100 pounds in a year and a half. Also remember to get your bloodwork done. My blood pressure and blood sugar shot up really bad.