Opinions on Divalproex?

Sorry, my comment was largely a response to another person’s comment rather than the original question. For the original poster: Depakote was very helpful for me, apart from it being a problem for pregnancy. I would say, be on the lookout for any agitation. I’ve noticed a decrease in my tendency to become worked up about things since being off it, which would obviously indicate it was contributing to it. I’ve felt better being on Lamictal alone, rather than both Depakote and Lamictal. But I have bipolar II disorder, which almost certainly makes a difference.

I was on Depakote for a few years. I found it immensely helpful with my depression/OCD, but I can’t be on the medication while pregnant and my partner and I plan to have kids, so I tapered off of it over the course of two years. I went far, far more slowly than doctors typically recommend and I think it was successful for that reason. My depression hasn’t returned because I’m still on Lamictal (which I’m now also slowly tapering off of with success), but I have seen a resurgence of my OCD. Personally, that’s an acceptable trade off, but might not be for others. If you want to be off Depakote (especially if you’re on a high enough dosage that you have liver concerns), what I did was switch to the oral version, Depakene, because I could taper off in much smaller increments than I would’ve been able to on the tablets. Then went down by .01ml every two weeks until I was down to nothing. It took a long time, but I’d strongly recommend that to others. It was worth it to be totally off the medication without any interruption to my life and functionality.

Im hoping to be taken off of it soon! It hasn't helped my seizures and it's known to be a liver killer medication. I also have to take levecarnotine to keep from getting hyper ammonia levels from depakote (divaloprex)

There are herbs out there for bipolar also. I have been unmedicated for the last 6 months but I was not medicated for several yrs after I was dx'ed bipolar 2. Took St. John's wort and it did help. I take CBD now and I do ok have my slumps but know that is when I get up and move Yoga and meditation have become a big part of my routine also

👍I been on divalproex or Depocote for well over 20 years. It's a seizure medicine, but it works for bipolar Disorder and chronic Migraines, I haven't had a migraine in well over 20 years

I cant imagine bipolar without meds. Herbs are great for constipation but bipolar is illness. Anything the Dr can try is worth a shot

I do not know of that medication. The only thing i take is milk thistle, a supplement. It helps immensely. And there's no side effects. Are the side effects of your medicine worth it?