"i was diagnosed bipolar back in 1993 after the birth of my last child.  being the youngest in my family, i was not told of the condition being hereditary.   i was prescribed 750 mgs to begin with and and now at 500 mgs a day.  i cannot attribute any weight gain to depakote, as at current i am in postmenopause and weight gain is likely.  i&#039;ve had no issues with my liver, however; i do bruise easily.  at the time i began depakote, i was running on overdrive and zapping out, not sleeping, not eating, feeling guilty, anxious, panic attacks, etc.  since then i have returned to a relatively normal life.  i have currently been put on effexor to help with my postmenopausal symptoms.  i&#039;ll update you on my progress."