We have much more to learn about this. For most people it takes at least 1 gram per day to work. This is actually about half the dose of Depakote commonly used for seizure control, though. A simple blood test can show exactly how much of the medication is in the blood. In general this is not used unless the medication does not seem to be working, because the exact level is not important if you are getting better.
Most people get no side effects at all .
The list here is to tell you what occasionally happens to some people. Lots of people get some nausea when they first start Depakote. This can be reduced, and usually stopped, by taking the pills with meals. People sometimes notice more hair at the bottom of the shower after they wash their hair, especially if their hair is long. If you notice these, move your dose down one pill and continue that dose until your next appointment.