How Fast Does Depakote Work?

Average Time

Because of the individual nature of seizures, migraines and mania, Depakote (divalproex sodium) begins to work at a different rate of time for everyone. According to both the manufacturer and the National Alliance on Mental Illnesses (NAMI), Depakote takes an average of 10 days before a patient feels any improvement. This is the same for the time-released version of the drug or for the regular immediate-release version.

Normal Side Effects

NAMI also notes that side effects happen as soon as the first day of using Depakote but tend to wear off after 2 to 3 weeks. These side effects include fatigue, increased appetite, enlarged breasts, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, constipation, loss of interest in sex, trembling, strange taste in the mouth or hair loss.

When To Call The Doctor

Call your doctor immediately if you have started Depakote and begin to bruise easily; get abdominal pain; feel suicidal; have sudden problems urinating; start to hallucinate; have blood in your urine, constant vomiting or loss of coordination of body or eyes or feel like you have the flu.

Resources

• Video: Depakote
• NAMI: Depakote
• Depakote Information