Comparing Depakote vs Divalproex Sodium

For Bipolar Disorder For mood stabilization, depakote worked out well for me, but it also helped me gain about 50 lbs! Once I started slowly switching off it, the pounds started coming off.

For Bipolar Disorder I have been on Depakote ever since I was diagnosed (finally) with bi-polar 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 hypo manic which seems to be the best level for me. I say somewhat stabilized because I started to go hyper manic in the past 2 weeks, have no idea why. Going to see 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 can not make comparisons. Depakote makes me gain weight big time!

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.

For Bipolar Disorder Dosage 250mg 1/c daily initially caused drastic strain on liver and overwhelming sedation. 30days of 125mg 2/c daily significantly reduced liver and kidney pain while improving emotional stability, depression, impulsivity & patience with interpersonal relationships. Recommend in conjunction with an antipsychotic for people with BPD/Emotion-Impulse Regulation Dysfunction.