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.

8,884 Members

129,557 Posts

1 Online

cb72 08/05/2007

I've been on lithium for 5 weeks now, and I have not gained any weight. In fact, initially, I lost 10 lb in 3 weeks, (due to unbelievable anxiety after going off risperdol), and I've been stable since, and possibly drifting lower.

I was very worried about weight gain, but it is OK. I actually checked out the statistics, and only ~10% of people gain a lot of weight on lithium. So, lithium's not that bad.

Just wanted to share this with you guys, cause I'm very happy about it. :)

deleted_user 08/05/2007

i think a lot of it has to do with getting dehydrated.. and sometimes our brains want liquid from food too. So it just depends on ur diet be4 u take lithium. I gained about 30lbs in a year, but then when i went down on lithium, i immediately lost 5, and then with diet, another 10. But my doc did lower it because he didn't think i'd be able to lose weight on it. who knows, so many side effects for every med.

cb72 08/05/2007

Aww, so you are on lithium, wasn't clear from your 'sex poll' post. I've also heard the 'thirsty' theory, and it's true, I drink a lot of liquid. It's a habit left over from a previous diet.

dancingd 08/05/2007

Sorry to bring not so good news...the first month on litium,I was stable in my weight...added zoloft....3o + lbs n 4 weels ..Litium of zoloft? After stoppping both,weight never went down. I am now 80 lbs over weight. The Docs aren't even completely sure why weight comes on,and WON"T go away, they really are doing stuff to us that is all new to the Doc's also.Remember only Litium has a 50 year track record of stability..all the rest are prettynew,no info on long term effecdts avaiable yet.

GracieLooWho 08/05/2007

iv been on lithium for nearly 3 years and have had no trouble with weight gain..... lithium works ell for me too

deleted_user 08/06/2007

Lithium was not the drug for me, but I'm certainly glad it's working for you.

I did gain about 30 pounds on lithium, and lost more than 30 after I went off the drug 3 years later.

Regardless, I hope it works for you. We all have different biochemical makeups.

take care!

cb72 08/06/2007

Um... Who said anything about lithium working for me? lol We're not there yet, but that's another topic.

Join the Conversation