Depakote and grandchildren

I am 64 years old and I have been taking Depakote for app-
roximately 10 years. For many years I was diagonosed with
Bipolar. Through the years I have been on many anti-depress
ants. Some would work and some wouldn't. I got so sick and
tired of all the medications, I just wanted to throw them out
in the yard. However... for the past three to four years, I
have just been totally depressed. Going to different Dr.'s
trying this and that. Still depressed. So, this past week I
went to a new Dr. and guess what... he took me completely
off of Depakote. I was only taking 1,000 mgs. a day. In the
past I have taken as much as 2,100 mgs a day. Once I got
toxic, didn't even know my own name. Couldn't even call
anyone for help because my memory was in such bad shape.
Weight gain, memory loss, leg aches, swollen feet and legs,
and it messed up my thyroid. Felt drugged every morning,
tired all the time, didn't want to go anywhere, just wanted to
sleep all the time and let everything go. It's a horrible feeling
to have. You don't have a life. There has been many times
in my past, that I had just soon been dead. But.......I would
be a fool to do something so stupid! I have two wonderful
sons and four lovely grandchildren. Those of you that are on
Depakote, I wish you the best of luck. And remember...
you are suppose to have blood work done every three months
so that the Dr. can know your Depakote level.