Hmmm. I've been on Depakote for about 10 weeks now. First it was the generic Valproic Acid, but now I'm on Depakote ER.

the valproic acid gave me pretty significant gastro intestinal side effects. It gave me stomach pain and bad heartburn. Depakote ER doesn't seem to give me the side effects nearly as bad. Depakote ER you only take once and it lasts for 24 hours.

I haven't had any hot flashes and don't remember reading that as a side-effect anywhere.