Does Depakote obviously increase your appetite? Did it work on your bipolar disorder?

I'm trying depakote again to try and get my bipolar disorder under control. It didn't work for me 15 years ago, but my life was in turmoil then, and I'm desperate, so I'm trying it again. I recall I gained like 50 or 60 lbs around the time I took depakote, though, and can't remember if it was that my appetite increased, or I was eating horribly, or what. I'm going to be taking amphetamine salts (adderall) along with it and hope that helps with the appetite issues. I am in mixed moods all the time. I have tried all the bipolar meds and many, many others, and even ECT (electroshock) failed, so I am trying some of the meds that failed before, thinking that since my life is more stable now that i am older, maybe they can help. I don't know what else to do.

so did depakote increase your appetite markedly? Were you able to come up with ways to cope with that? I am already obese and can't gain anymore, but the bipolar brings me to the edge of suicide, daily. And also, did the depakote help you with your bipolar?

Thanks!

Depakote affects chemicals in the body that may be involved in causing seizures.

Depakote is used to treat various types of seizure disorders. It is sometimes used together with other seizure medications. It is also used to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorders (manic-depressive illness), and to prevent migraine headaches.

Depakote may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Depakote
In rare cases, Depakote has caused life-threatening liver failure, especially in children younger than 2 years old. Children may be at even greater risk for liver problems if they use more than one seizure medication, if they have a metabolic disorder, or if they have a brain disease causing mental impairment (such as Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, Huntington disease, multiple sclerosis, or a brain injury or infection). Seek emergency medical attention if the person taking this medicine has nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or loss of appetite, low fever, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage. Some of these symptoms may also be early signs of pancreatitis. Depakote can cause birth defects. Do not use this medication without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.