"i&#039;ve been on depakote er for about 7 years and regularly for 5 years before.   i am a rapid cycler i think.  currently prescribed 2000mg/day (1000 in the morning and 1000 in the evening).  i notice weight gain (though could be due to less nightly manic behavior and age), some upset stomach at times, overall, i think it stabilizes me.   caffeine does make me feel more alive when on er.  otherwise feel quite lethargic, apathetic, less motivated.  i tend to feel more like i am depressed when taking this medicine. will look into combination of anti-depressive.  "