Depakote & Weight Loss

[Devi]

I posted this on the main induction board, but I thought I'd post here too.

I'm on Depakote for it's treatment mood-disorders. It's been the only med that has ever worked for me. It's main side-effect is weight gain, and I've gained about 30-35 pounds while on it.

Someone posted a link to a online journal where one man had lost weight with Atkins even though he was on Depakote. I wondered if there was anyone here who has personal experience with it?

I'm considering switching to Lamictol, as it seems to work for most people that Depakote worked for, but without the weight issues. Has anyone here had to switch? I'm leary of switching off of the one med that ever helped me...but I can't keep gaining weight, either.

Thanks.

[kbuchs]

That is always a tricky question. I am not on those particular meds but I do take antidepressants and for awhile I was so depressed that I didn't care that I gained weight as long as my depression improved. Then when I got more grounding under my feet, I switched to a med that didn't have that side effect. I guess the question is do you feel stable enough to try this new med? If so than try it and maybe check in with your psychiatrist every two weeks instead of every month for instance. Because I hear ya, your weight and physical appearance does affect your self esteem. Goodluck with your decision!

[Mush]

I was on Depakote for about a year (wasn't dieting) and gained about 30-40 lbs. I thought maybe it was just because they told me it might be a side effect, so it is good to hear others have experienced the same. Worse, though, it gave me terrible headaches -

Later, the doctor switched me to Topamax, which does cause weight loss... I lost 40lbs real fast, also not dieting BUT it costs roughly $400/month (or it used to) and I experienced unbearable tingling in my hands, feet, and sometimes legs. That scared me. Also, I HAD to take this crazy three hour nap EVERY day at noon. I mean, I would just pass out. For me, the side effects of the different meds have always been more to deal with than the stupid bipolar - at least I've lived with THAT for long enough to know what it will do to me.

I am NOT suggesting pitching your pills down the toilet, as so many of us are prone to do. I have taken myself off meds too many times to count, and although they aren't supposed to be physically addictive, I went through horrible withdrawal symptoms every time (up to two weeks worth) usually followed my a major depressive or manic phase. Work with your doctor (if you trust him/her, if not, gind another one ASAP) and let him know everything you are experiencing. Most of this medication is just trial and error - which can be so damned frustrating... just please don't go cold turkey and unsupported if you decide to discontinue the meds.

Stay strong

Mush

[JandLsMom]

Just wanted to tell you that my 17 yr old son is on depakote 1750mg daily and zyprexa 12.5mg daily. BOTH cause weight gain and make him CONSTANTLY hungry. He gained 60 lbs in 6 mos on these meds! Here is the Good news, even though they slow your metabolism and you eat ALOT on them, low carb DOES work to help lose! My son has been able to lose 9 lbs in 3 weeks doing atkins on these meds!! he lost 5 lbs week 1, 3 lbs week 2 and 1 lb week 3 so far!! Its a slower weight loss than i am having due to his slowed metabolism on these meds, but he was gaining 2-3 lbs a week before atkins, so this is a GREAT improvement. He still eats TONS of food, he is probably easily eating 4,000 cals a day..Because of the meds he is still just as hungry...but by eating the low carb foods and sticking to induction he is LOSING weight!! So yes, low carb DOES work even on these meds!!

EDIT

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