"i have been bipolar for 20 years and have tried many medicines, with depakote and lithium being the worst. i also needed antidepressants too. i went from 117 lbs to 225 lbs in 2 years on depakote and being a zombie i did not notice the huge weight gain. i switched to lamictal and effexor and felt so much better. i started a daily exercise program and was able to cut down on food and lost over 100 lbs within 2 years."