What medication for bipolar doesn't cause weight gain?

[val853]

Does anybody know of any medication out there for bipolar that doesn't cause weight gain?  I've gained 30 pounds the past 6 months and don't need to gain, but lose so please help. Thanks

[baldwindeb]

It also makes you lose taste for carbonated drinks, which helped me lose weight. Read about your meds before you take them people.

[tie96]

I  have taken the medication that you are on now and had huge side effects with my bladder. it was not nice went to several specialist about this problem,  would not wish that on any one!!  How ever I have sever depression, bipolar, ptsd and a thousand others. I have also had to fight breast cancer,  years cancer free!!

[didi768]

I'm with you.  Lamictal so far is not cutting it for me.  I'm on 200mg.

[JulieNP]

I agree; believe psychiatric nurse practitioners: 4 meds come to mind.
1. lamictal that has a preventive depression component (watch for any s/s of a bad rash),
2. Topimax that has weight loss often associated with it (great for migraine prevention),
3. Trileptal (excellent in adolescent boys), and
4. Geodon with less weight gain and a more favorable metabolic profile. Each of us are uniquely, individually made, so we can expect about that many possible reactions with any meds, but this is my go to list when treating bipolar conditions. Remember all the antiepilectic mood stabilizers can cause cognitive (thinking) dulling, but not always! If you are not severely depressed, or running really fast, thinking may improve.
Also, sometimes I will supplement with a small dose of lithium, just for the antidepressant effects. like 300 mg bid. We don't have to worry about bloodwork as much, and most of my patients are on very limited budgets. That's NOT alot of lithium.

[Glo59]

You said Triliptal was good for adolescent boy's. What about for a 58 yr old woman ? Depakote made me gain so much weight . I was put on Lamictal and had HORRIBLE SIDE effects. Today is the 1st day I have taken Trileptal .

[Sassione]

Lamotrogine. It's awesome. I gained like 35 lbs. on Depakote and kept gaining. I went on lamotrogine and lost the weight.

[JLB3713]

Well, some people do seem to gain weight on Lamictal, so I'm not sure why your psychologist is so adamant that that's not the cause! Also, if she's a psychologist then she's not an expert on meds anyway. Do you have a psychiatrist who's prescribing your meds?