Are there any bipolar medications out there that are not known to cause major weight gain?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Oh your mind so works just like mine! (I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing!) I can’t help it though. It’s always the first thing that comes to mind when doctors suggest new medications.

“Will I get fat?”

I’ve always kinda had an issue with weight, or at least my perception of weight. I may or may not be slightly obsessed with being thin (Depends on who you’re asking), so I can totally relate to this question.

I have only been on two mood stabilizers so far, Trileptal and Lamictal, which are both anticonvulsents. Neither of which has had any effect on my weight. (I was also on Abilify for two days, but that doesn’t count.)

Now in my son’s case, a couple of his mood stabilizers increased his appetite, especially the Abilify. Being as young as he is, he didn’t really gain much weight, but we were instructed to keep an eye on his carb intake. When I took the Abilify I was so nauseous I couldn’t get out of bed, so I’m not sure how it would have affected my appetite.

The other medication that increased PDog’s appetite was Depakote. Again he didn’t really gain any weight, but he did eat more than usual.

I don’t know much about Lithium, but I have heard that weight gain is a side effect. But then again, Lithium is a pretty hardcore medication with plenty of side effects. It’s proven to be the best drug out their for mood disorders, but I’ve been too scared to try it thus far. I’m exhausting all other options first. (Luckily, so far, I’ve been successful.)

In other words, through my experiences, not all bipolar medications have caused weight gain. HOWEVER, side effects do vary from patient to patient, so this may not be the case for everyone. Unfortunately, the only way to know for sure is by trail and error. I hope you are able to find a solution that works well for you!

With Love,

Marybeth

For a more in depth look at bipolar medications and their side effects check out these sites:

http://helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_medications.htm

http://bipolar.about.com/cs/sfx/l/bl_side_index.htm

http://www.mental-health-matters.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1075

ShareTweet