3 major side effects of depakote that everyone should know:

1. Fetal valproate syndrome - if you are considering pregnancy, don't you must read all of the side effects of depakote on the fetus (facial defects, heart defects, retardation, etc.)(i found many defects searching articles on pubmed.Com on fetal valproate syndrome.) not a good idea
this is not a rare side effect.

2. Brain atrophy - if you begin experiencing mental deterioration after beginning depakote, ask your doctor about studies on brain atrophy and depakote (i found some on pubmed.Com) this may be a rare side effect.

3. Valproate-induced parkinsonism - if you begin experiencing parkinson's like symptoms, ask your doctor about studies linking depakote to valproate-induced parkinsonism (i found some on pubmed.Com) this may be a rare side effect.

In doing my own research, it has come to my attention that many people are not aware of these side effects. Do your own research and be informed before you take depakote. Tell a friend too.