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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mictoria 04/23/2011

I have been on meds for over 2 yrs now. Have gained over 50 lbs.They seemed to be working up to about a month ago. I lost my mother. Then I got on a plane all by my self for the first time. I am afraid to fly. have not been able to grieve because I barely cry on these meds. My anxiety has increased and so has the depression. I can hardly leave the room. Weight is the biggest issue for me. I am gonna try to start to take daily walks when the weather cooperates. I am watching what I eat and taking water pills. Before my mother died she said I look more bloated from the meds. I am on Abilify and Lexapro. Any thought or comments?

deleted_user 04/23/2011

I hate taking meds for this reason. I was on Lithium a couple years ago and it made me gain 80 pounds. This only added to my depression. I finally took myself off of it. I've been without meds for a long time now but I think I'm starting to realize that I should be on something. Things are not well.

deleted_user 04/23/2011

I think we all have responsibility when it comes to weight gain. I too have gained and a total of 80 lbs while on my meds. I didn't eat right, I ate to much, I didn't exercise and now I have to fight the hard battle of loosing weight, it is all my fault for not doing it right in the first place.

deleted_user 04/23/2011

our meds do have side effects like all meds. My new meds can cause weight gan and I could develope diabetes.Diabetes 2 does run in my family and I have had a weight problem ever since I had my first daughter. I now watch everything I eat like a hawk and I have lost from 203 to 182.and I am not doing any extra things yet outside my normal things like work and a little yard work
You are taking a good direction by starting to walk. Not only will it help with the weight but it well boost your ability to fight your depression as well.Prayers for you. Love Vee

deleted_user 04/24/2011

Unfortunately weight gain is a major problem with most meds. Although I found I did loss weight through the summer. So I know it is possible to loss weight on the meds. It's just a matter of eating sensibly. I know easier said then done. Any way good luck.

deleted_user 04/24/2011

Abilify caused me to gain weight.
My family Doctor told me that I needed to lose weight so I told my PDOC to take me off it. I lost 21 lbs.
I'm on Lexapro and it doesn't seem to have any side effects except for dry mouth.

spookytoo0 04/24/2011

Wow, my psychologist said Abilify was weight neutral and as I've put on 20kgs with Seroquel and Elpilim I should ask my psychiatrist if I can change to it.
In the beginning I was relieved to be stable and fat, but not any more. My problem is I have renal failure so the extra weight is exacerbating the effects of it.

deleted_user 04/29/2011

Abilify caused me to gain 45 pounds in 5 months time. I had never had a problem with my weight before. I am 42 years old. Prior to talking Abilify, I was at my ideal weight for my size. I couldn't believe how fast the weight came on. I am now on Geodon. It's only been a couple of months, so it's too early to report.

e4now 05/01/2011

im on abilify along with 8 other meds...i gained 60 lbs in 6 or 7 months...im only 5'2"...my weight right now is a huge player of depression and reasons to self harm...i also had tumors removed from my spine nov 1st so my lack of ability to exercise plays a big role also...

deleted_user 05/02/2011

I have been on 500mg Depakote for 8 months and gained almost 20lbs, but it is working so I do not want to quit. I recently started Lamactil and a 25mg of Seroquil for sleep, I am hoping I will lose a bit, it seems I feel bloated everyday almost, the scale goes up and down, but bloating stays. I do not know what to do. Except try to workout, but I always feel bad, so I dont.

mugwort 05/02/2011

I feel terribly sorry for you. If one is anorexic or with a disease state that causes major weight loss these meds are great. However for most of us they can be terrible. Significant weight gain can lead to heart disease, certain cancers and other major health problems. Sorry if I'm scaring you but its damn shame that these drugs are suppose to help and meantime they can cause major health issues.

deleted_user 05/04/2011

Unfortunately, almost all antipsychotics have weight gain as a side effect. When I was on lithium, I gained over 30lbs and it's been over a year since I stopped taking it and I'm still trying to get the weight off. I don't know how these meds are supposed to help your mood when they put your self-esteem in the toilet! I feel your pain sister!

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