Comparing Divalproex Sodium vs Risperdal

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.

For Bipolar Disorder I've taken the medicine for a month and I do notice my mood is a lot better. I have gained 16 pounds almost. It makes me very hungry when I take it. My doctor moved me from 0.05mg per day to 1 mg per day because of my horrible anxiety. It does help but not all day. I plan to still give it more time. The weight gain is not exactly good though.

For Bipolar Disorder At the beginning of taking this medication I was on 0.5mg twice a day. Now my doctor upped it to 1.0mg twice a day...and boy do I feel drowsy all day long! I even took a pregnancy test because I was so tired. But no its the increase in the dosage. If I didn't have 2 young children dependent on me I would have never got out of bed since yesterday. I feel that exhausted. I will go back to the doctor ASAP, I can't walk around like a zombie. I don't know what feeling is worse.