I was diagnosed Bi-polar in my mid 20's. I took several different medications, Lithium, Lexapro, Prozac, Geodon, to name a few and had horrible side effects of weight gain and extremely lethargic. Even after having 3 children I was always very small, 5'8" and at my biggest 130 lbs, well until medication. Within 2 years my weight had sky rocketed to over 200 lbs. And I would literally have trouble most of the day keeping my eyes open. After almost having a near death car accident, because of falling asleep, I stopped taking the medication. Quickly the weight fell off with no change to life style. But now after almost 6 years of being off meds I am noticing that my manic episodes are becoming more and more frequent and more severe. I am concerned with getting back on meds due to the weight gain and feeling of not being able to wake up and stay awake. Does anyone have suggestions on medications to try that do not cause this?