Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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Medications... too good to be true?

deleted_user
deleted_user
I've only been on a couple of medication, but the side effects were so severe and usually crippled my everyday lifestyle that I'd have to be taken off of them. I've had issues with an eating disorder as well so weight gain is not an option. I just feel I have little options and this in itself is enough to make me depressed. Am I always going to have to live this way, never knowing if it's going to be a good day or a bad day? Has anyone had success on specific medication without weight gain? I'm in the gym 5-6 days a week for a least an hour, I eat right and I take supplements. Can all these things counteract the weight gain side effect of many bipolar treatments?
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi Loves. I am sorry you've had such a rough time with meds and weight gain. Don't get discouraged with only trying a couple of meds. It sometimes takes awhile to find one that works for you and doesn't give you really bad side effects. It sounds like you are doing well with trying to eat right and the time you spend at the gym. Unfortunately weight gain seems to be a common thing with bipolar meds. Easy on the fat and carbs and keep up the exercise. Keep us posted on how you are doing.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi Loves; Kudos to you for eating right and taking care of yourself. As my pdoc says "you only gain what you put into your mouth." Meds are well worth the effort trying to find the right one or combination of drugs. You'll never realize how great life can be until you live it without the horrible side effects of bipolar. I do believe what you are doing CAN counteract the weight gain.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Lamictal and Topamax are both good for not causing weight gain. I am losing weight on both. But be prepared for your hypersexuality to hit the roof! And to hell with eating right, going to the gym, all that crap. The Topamax makes me not want to eat so I just don't....yeah, bad, I know...but I've lost a ton of weight....It made me kick the soda habit (you will hate anything carbonated on Topamax)....I do have to change my diet for other reasons and start eating right...so hopefully I'll start losing even more weight. Good luck!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi Loves!
Hope you r doing good today.
There are meds that are effective and do not cause weight gain.
There are both, antidepressants and antipsychotics that won't affect weight.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I've had the same experience as DisarmYou on topamax. I also lost weight on Geodon and Welbutrin. At the moment, the only one I'm still on is Welbutrin (plus lithium). The first time I was on lithium I gained weight and asked for another med. This time I've lost weight. I think our body chemistry must vary, because I've had different reactions to many drugs. So I think it's a matter of where you are at a particular time. Right now my main goal is to stay stable and then see what side effects I can tolerate. Sorry to ramble.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm on Geodon and it has helped me to lose weight. The med I was on before (which was risperdol) made me gain weight and my pdoc didn't want to put me on seroquel beside of the chance of weight gain.

There are different side effects for different people it just depends on your body chemistry.

There are many other meds that don't cause weight gain. I would discuss my options with the pdoc and see what they suggest.

Good for you going to the gym and taking care of yourself. That's awesome. Good luck finding the right med combo.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I am on lamictol seraquel and prosac the combo works for me but I went thru a lot b4 them I think weight gain is a chemical thing
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