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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
WEIGHT GAIN AND MEDS
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
WEIGHT GAIN AND MEDS
by Shawn, Jan 27, 2000 12:00AM
I am taking 1500 mgs of Depakote, 200 mg of Zoloft and 50 mgs of Lamectal per day. I've gained close to sixty pounds this past year and I can't seem to lose it. (Fortunately, I'm tall and I can hide it well. However, I'm beginning to look and feel like a Butterball turkey.)
My phychiatrist said Depakote is the culprit. What is the reason behind Depakote and weight gain?
(I am unwilling to change meds for I finally found the right combination of drugs that keep me sane.)
My phychiatrist said Depakote is the culprit. What is the reason behind Depakote and weight gain?
(I am unwilling to change meds for I finally found the right combination of drugs that keep me sane.)
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS M.D.-SW, Jan 27, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Shawn,
Weight Gain is a common side effect of Depakote. Though, not everyone on Depakote gains weight.
It is surprising how the same medication may have opposite side efect on different people (diarrhea and constipation, or sedation and insomnia).
To answer your question, medication targets receptors in a person's body. The better the medication, the more specfic its action. Depakote targets various receptors, which may cause sedation, weight gain and in some hair loss.
I recommend you diet and exercise properly, at least to avoid more weight gain.
Best Wishes,
HFHS M.D.-SW
Weight Gain is a common side effect of Depakote. Though, not everyone on Depakote gains weight.
It is surprising how the same medication may have opposite side efect on different people (diarrhea and constipation, or sedation and insomnia).
To answer your question, medication targets receptors in a person's body. The better the medication, the more specfic its action. Depakote targets various receptors, which may cause sedation, weight gain and in some hair loss.
I recommend you diet and exercise properly, at least to avoid more weight gain.
Best Wishes,
HFHS M.D.-SW
P.S. The weight is not coming off as easily as it went on.
Though this does not relate directly to your question, it might help others. Be extremely careful about taking Prednisone. It will cause all sorts of side-effects, and when taken over a long period of time, or in high doses wil cause major weight gain...I mean like a 70-100 lbs. a year. Have the doctor be VERY through in explaing this drug to you...and stay away from salt while taking Prednisone - it will really "blow you up". Hope this helps someone.