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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Weight Gain

deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi, I am new to the community and this website. I am searching for answers regarding weight gain from depakote. I take Lamictal as well, but from what I have been told the depakote is the culprit. I want to know if it is possible to lose weight on this damn medication. I have read that it slows your metabolism down and that worries me. I have gained 15 lbs. I am not huge but I feel bad about myself. It is really starting a depressive cycle for me. Has anyone experienced this and were you able to lose the weight?
deleted_user
deleted_user
I am on depakote as well, and have gained about 13 lbs. Its vivious!

Just gotta start wathcing what you eat, and eat slowly and more cautisouselly. You'll get used to it after awhile :)

If it gets too bad though, be sure to tell your doctor and switch meds.
deleted_user
deleted_user
When i was first diagnosed with bipolar i was put on depakote. I gained almost 40 pounds. I tried to lose it on the medication but like you it just started a depressive cycle within me cuz i felt so bad about myself. Finally, they just took me off of it. Sometimes it just doesn't work for some people. As soon as i was off of it i lost all of the weight. they put me on lithium and i was fine. If i were you i would go to my doctor and express what's bothering you adn try to get a med change. Hope this helps.
deleted_user
deleted_user
check that it was 30 pounds...wrong number sorry.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I was on depakote and had to stop it. I was voraciously hungry, put on about 15 lbs or more, plus it messed with my period and I thought I was pregnant (it causes birth defects.) Too terrifying, too fat, forget it, next please.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I was on depakote at one point and I gained about 40 lbs
deleted_user
deleted_user
is there an alternative to depakote that doesn't cause the weight gain?
deleted_user
deleted_user
I gained 40lbs in a heart beat. My DR won't change my med so I will be seeing a new DR in Jan. I can't wear any of my clothes anymore and it is so depressing.
beckyp
beckyp
Depakote and Lamictal are both mood stablizers. maybe your pdoc will let you come off the depakote since you are on the other.
deleted_user
deleted_user
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