Glad to hear you saw your pdoc and things are on the upswing.
I wish you success with Depakote, some do well and others (like my nephew and I) do not do so well.
Like all meds., none are "one size fits all", so it just takes trying and patience.
If what my dimming memory serves me right, I think skin rashing and stuff was NOT listed on "side effects" for Depakote, that may be a plus for you, as I recall you having that reaction. What I didn't like about Depakote, for me, was weight gain and constant fatigue, fell asleep twice while driving, after that, even on the minimum dose my pdoc. agreed that I should switch to something else, that's history now. But it did help during the time I was DXed and first treated, back in 2000. So, it just boils down to trying, new or a combo of meds. till it is comfortable, I guess.
Jan, I am happy to hear things are looking good.
Take care and lots of luck too.
DE

(((((((((((( Jan ))))))))))))))))))))