There's also Lamictal and lithium.
I've been on Depakote high dose and had no side effects at all...in fact, my hair that I was losing on lithium has completely grown back in. Maybe initially you might have a little nausea and headaches but there aren't many long term effects. You do have to have blood work done every few months.
The main drawback to Depakote is that it acts more on mania than depression.