it works most of the time for my epilepsy have always had pretty good luck till lately. I am 36 and I have been on depakote 500 mg 3xs daily now for 21years. I am tired a lot and my memory is so bad I get so mad. I recently went to the Dr. sick and he done some blood work and said that the depakote has made my platelets low and my pancreas has elevated a little so its time I think to come off the med. really does well a side from all the hair loss and a little gain over the years 10 to 20 but also love to cook so cant blame it all on the medicine. Look they have new good meds out there don't be afraid to try them this med was good in its day but theres new and better and I'm going to try some time soon to do just that good luck everyone and God Bless each one of you as you go through all this.