Depakote in the past was the only medication that worked for my depression. i had to stop from extreme rapid weight gain. why did it work so well?

Everyone's different: Depakote isn't an antidepressant but it is a "mood stabilizer". Originally a seizure drug, it is most often used in psychiatry for bipolar disorders. Unfortunately, weight gain and polycystic ovary syndrome are potential side-effects. It may not be the only one that works, especially if your doc looks for another, similarly acting mood stabilizer.

I hope this is good: News. Some believe benefits obtained from placebo effects are being fooled - a sign of weakness. My research tried to show that it is a very big part of all effective treatment - it's possible that your positive response was due to surrounding things. Perhaps your doctor was caring, intelligent and made you feel hopeful. That works! mostly that drug fights mania. Who knows why it worked for you?