"my p-doc wanted to get me off lithium, which i have been on for 12 years.  lithium was causing a big strain on my kidneys which would eventually put me on dialysis.  lithium gave me amazing stability, but the combination with geodon caused ed to be a factor on a semi frequent occasion.  i lost 14 lbs recently before i started depakote, and since i&#039;ve been on depakote for 3 months i haven&#039;t gone up in weight at all.  i&#039;ve had a bigger appetite.  my only complaint has been stomach diarrhea, many times with sudden onset.  sometimes it&#039;s constipation for a day followed by several days of diarrhea."