I took Depakote for over one year at 750 mg. a day. I had a flat affect which my family noticed and my hair fell out at an alarming rate. My former pdoc said to take some vitamin supplements which did nothing. I gained about 10 pounds - no more than that which came off after I discontinued Depakote.

I really like Lithium. I have actually lost over 10 pounds. My pdoc said any weight gain on Lithium would range from 2 to 4 lbs of water weight in any given day. I like the anti-depressant effects that I get from Lithium in addition to its mood stabilizer properties.