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 Issues

deleted_user
deleted_user
I have really had issues with weight gain due to my medications. I typically stop taking my meds because of the weight gain. For awhile I will actually be losing weight and thinking, "this is great, I'm going to get back to my old weight", then before I know it I am deeply depressed. At that point, I am so down that I don't care what I look like and my psychiatrist urges me to start up the medication again....so I start it again, gain the weight back and then my mood is fine, but I'm fat. So I am constantly dealing with the same old conundrum, would I rather be fat or suicidal?
beckyp
beckyp
What kind of meds are you talking about?
deleted_user
deleted_user
Is there something that you can take that does not cause weight gain?
I was in the same situtation and could not stand being fat anymore, so my doc tried me on Lamictal and it has really helped.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Prozac and carbazapine. I know, they aren't supposed to be taken together.....however my doctor has assured me that it is safe at the doses I take. I think it is the prozac that is really making me gain weight, but that is the one I NEED the most. When I'm off Prozac for too long, I eventually get depressed. I don't worry about the hypomanic phases....I actually enjoy those, but the depression is the worst.
beckyp
beckyp
Wellbutrin and lexapro don't cause weight gain. Talk to your dr. about it.
dancingd
dancingd
Since starting my little BP adventure..I've gained 80 lbs.

Talk about depressing!
Now I'm on Depakote...famous for MORE weight gain and HAIR LOSS.

OH GOODY!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I've tried so many different meds it is difficult to keep track of them all. I know for sure that I've definitely tried Welbutrin, Lithium and Lamictal. I had major side effects with most....especially itchy skin on my arms. The best combo for me to keep my moods half decent is Prozac and Carbamazapine. I am currently 30 pounds heavier than my normal weight....that alone is depressing.
deleted_user
deleted_user
haven't gained weight with carbamazapine.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I am on wellbutrin, topamax and lamictal and have lost about 25lbs over five months and have been fairly stable. There has been occasional depression but, nothing to to bad.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Yes, my doctor told me that Topamax could actually cause weight LOSS, so I was very excited about that and really wanted to try it, but I had terrible headaches on it. I just could not stand those headaches, so I had to switch back to my usual combo. I don't think it is the carbamazapine (Tegretol) causing the weight gain...I'm pretty sure it is my Prozac. The Prozac is what keep the depression away, so I guess I'm just going to be a plus-size girl.
deleted_user
deleted_user
anyone have weight gain issues with seroquel?
deleted_user
deleted_user
The best luck I have had with meds so far and keeping everything in check ....plus with weight loss....
Lithium
Topomax
Wellbutrin
deleted_user
deleted_user
Yeah, I'm on Lamictal, Wellbutrin, and Topamax and have lost 47 lbs in the past six months! Woohoo! First time I have LOST weight on psych meds. I gained on lithium and Zyprexa. I got up to 297 lbs! Now I want to get back down to 140! I hope I can make it.
deleted_user
deleted_user
If I was fat that would probably make me suicidal considering my weight is a huge part of my self-confidence, some people are different thats just my preference.

When I was on Seroquel I was exercising everyday and I still put on weight so I switched...

there have to be medicines that work for you...
deleted_user
deleted_user
I might try Topomax again. It really does help with weight loss, but my problem is I also need an antidepressent as well (not just a mood stabilizer) and it is always the antidepressent that makes me gain weight.
Zillah
Zillah
Suzette - I am really with you on this one. I have gained 40 lbs. I am miserable. My husband tells me if I'm not happy to work out. And I'm short, only 5'1. None of my clothes fit. Depakote made me gain 35 lbs. The other 5 lbs I chalk up to stress. I was just put on Lithium, which I have heard mixed weight issues on, but I'm not hungry anymore. I've been eating because I have to.
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