Depakote vs Lithium/ wt gain and acne meds

I was diagnosed bipolar back in Jan at age 24 and since been taking lithium without many side effects except weight gain about 40+ and sleepiness. I didnt mind at first but Ive noticed I cannot lose the weight or get out of bed. Ive changed my diet, workout at least 30 minutes a day and do not eat past 6pm.

I also have suffered from acne problems all of my life. Before being diagnosed it cleared up while I was taking bactrim and a topical lotion. Recently my acne has increased causing painful cysts and white heads everywhere and Im still taking the meds as prescribed. I used to get pimples in my t-zone and now I have them all over my cheeks, back and chest its horrible. It doesnt help that Im hispanic so my pigment is a lil olive and the acne is leaving really dark blemishes.

Just today my dr said we might discuss depakote but I see it also causes an increase in acne in some cases and weight gain.

Is there anything out there for me? I dont want to gain weight, have an increased appetite or ACNE, this is all making me very depressed. I understand why some people just stop taking their meds all together.

:Hopeless:

[Venora Moonwind]

I have taken both and I didnt like them much.They made me feel dopey and they didnt do much for my bi polar.I am on celexa/zyprexa combo and it has worked great forme.

For your acne I can understand completly as I have had acne all my life too.Get a water soluble cleanser like cetaphil. Use a beta hydroxy acid to exfoliate the dead skin cells at niight I prefer Pulas choice that I get at her website.Beta hydroxy has the ability to penetrate the pore and clean out all the debris.I have been using this regimen for 3 years and at 50 years old my skin looks better than ever.

I did gain weight when I first started the zyprexa but I eat healthy now and get redgular exerciseand I have lost 25 lbs .I felel like I had to work a little harder because of my meds but it can be done.

Hang in there and let meknow how you are .
Love Venora

[BrilliantlyInsane]

Thank you so much for your input. I have heard about cetaphil and will defnitely try it. As far as the meds go I meet with my dr tomorrow to finally dicuss what changes will be made. Wish me luck.

- BI

[Venora Moonwind]

I wish you all the luck in the world.Let me know how your doc visit goes.I will look for your post.
Blessed be
Love Venora