"i have been through so many medications it&#039;s ridiculous... most of them didn&#039;t work and caused severe side effects. the last one i was on before depakote was lamotrigine (which really is better for bipolar ii, from what i understand). i tend to run very manic (and don&#039;t have a thyroid anymore - cancer), so my doc and i decided this would probably be my best option. none of the new drugs worked on me. depakote has been amazing. i can think a lot more clearly and i&#039;m still me - just a lot more toned down. i&#039;ve had no negative side effects except a slight tremor, but i&#039;m also on xanax for severe anxiety, so its only noticeable when it&#039;s time for that. no weight gain, either. in fact, my appetite decreased. i haven&#039;t gained or lost, really."