October 30, 2009 - 9:11pm
I have bipolar disorder, and I take Effexor XR, Seroquel, and Epival. Now, since going on these meds- it's been about a year now- I've gained almost fifty pounds, which I HATE. I'm so uncomfortable. I exercise a lot and eat a relatively healthy diet (I don't like junk food that much, I eat a lot of fruits, veggies, and whole grain stuff) but something... I think it's either the Seroquel or the Epival, knowing what I do about those drugs... is making me voraciously hungry all the time, and sometimes I break down and binge uncontrollably.
I've told my shrink that I'm REALLY not fond of this weight gain, but he doesn't seem to think it's a big problem, since I'm not clinically overweight. What other meds (indicated for treatment of bipolar II) are there that are more weight-neutral that I could maybe suggest to my shrink? I've heard a lot of different things about lithium, ranging from "miracle drug!" to "NEVER TAKE IT," so I'm hoping that maybe someone here might have some personal experience.
October 30, 2009 - 9:55pm
#2
Epival is the Canadian name
Epival is the Canadian name for Depakote, and yeah, I am figuring that is the worst offender of all the meds I take as far as weight gain goes.
October 30, 2009 - 10:04pm
#3
Oh. Good to know. There used
Oh. Good to know. There used to be another poster on this forum from Canada taking those same meds.
October 31, 2009 - 1:05pm
#4
Ask about switching from
Ask about switching from seroquel to Geodon or Abilify, the latter two being more weight neutral. Topamax is an antiseizure medication which actually seems to cause weight loss that is sometimes used for bipolar disorder. Lamictal also seems to be more weight neutral. Fifty pound weight gain is a serious medical issue and needs to be addressed. Bringing up a medication change with your psychiatrist is not unreasonable.
October 31, 2009 - 2:18pm
#5
Geodon/ Abilify
A good friend of mine is a psychiatrist. These drugs will both cause weight gain, among other unpleasantries. Look into what else these drugs (the anti-psychotics) do to your body/ mind.
Any of the anti-psychotics are going to cause weight gain in the general population.
October 31, 2009 - 2:49pm
#6
my sister
is on named meds...she went from around 100 pounds to over 200..she is in bad shape
October 31, 2009 - 5:52pm
#7
I know someone who when put
I know someone who when put on Abilify put on a good 30lbs, and she was only 90lbs to start out with. Really noticeable on such a small frame.
October 31, 2009 - 6:04pm
#8
It seems to be a lesser of
It seems to be a lesser of evils...some seem to REALLY beef people up while others just do it slowly. The latter being manageable in some cases. I'm sure it varies by person too. Some drugs will make some people fat but not others...has anyone heard of any studies done comparing psych meds in reference to weight change? It could probably be pretty easily put together since weight is an often recorded piece of information in settings where drugs are prescribed....
October 31, 2009 - 8:43pm
#9
Lamictal perhaps
Hello. I found that Lamictal was much more helpful than Epival (U.S Name Depakote) in maintaining my weight.
In fact it was more helpful to me in general for a mood stablizer. I'm not sure if the Seroquel is a contributing factor to the weight gain. Does that peticular drug slow you down in general? Also. I have taken Effexor XR and had no weight gain issues. I would try talking to the Dr. again. about an alternative med. Like poster drlois said a 50lb gain is serious.
Good luck to you 
November 1, 2009 - 5:13pm
#10
There is a lot of data about
There is a lot of data about weight gain and the atypical antipsychotics. Seroquel is among the worst. Abilify and Geodon are among the best. However they all tend to cause at least some weight gain.
I can't give you a real good answer but I will just say add Depakote to the list of meds that causes weight gain in alot of people.