You may also find some of our personal experiences we have had with Depakote, by going back a "page" or two on this forum, they may still be posted.
I had been on Depakote, for me I did not care for it, but everyone reacts different to meds.
I like the alternatives, and the present med I have had success with is Lamictal, for the depression it helps, cause AD's stopped working for me, Lamictal is fine for mania but more for Bipolar-II's, having more of a hypomania vs full blown mania.
I liked Lithobid for when I was more in a manic way, didn't tire me, I was able to function daily, were Depakote just sedated me, weight gain was outrageous, Lithium causes weight gain but I hardly gained while be on Lithobid compared to Depakote, that is what I like about Lamictal, I do not get that sedated feeling.
Gee, I can talk on and on, sharing so much of the things I learned about the meds and side effects, etc. but I wish not to over do it here, I can get obnoxious I am sure, ha!ha! If you would ever want to talk about the meds I mentioned here and my personal experience(s) with them you are welcomed to PM me.

PS another thing I hated while on Depakote was hair loss, I still have a thin area on my head, it did stop when I stopped the Dep, as well as the weight gain, once off the Dep it came off, and not with any dieting needed

Take care now,

DE