A mood stabilizer that doesn't make you gain weight? Is there one?

[bernie40]

Is there such a thing as a mood stabilizer that doesn't increase your weight?  I am so fed up, I put on loads of weight with the depakote, since coming off it I have lost some of it and now they want me to go on zyprexa which is another one for gaining weight.

If any of you know of one please let me know so I can discuss it with the psych next time I go.

Cheers

Helen

[SickofSick5025]

To eveyone out there - Lamictal causes a life-threatening RASH which I got.  I'm happy it's worked for you, but it almost cost me my life.  I also came close to losing my life when on Lithium.  It shut my kidneys down and stopped my thyroid from functioning.  I also gain an extrodinary amount of weight.  I don't mean to sound vain, but after all I've been through on all (yes I was on more - including Depakote) these drugs, why can't I have one that works without making me fat?

[SoozG]

I would recommend Lamictal.  I've been on 200 mg for almost a year with no weight gain.  Good luck.

[Skullcherries27]

I am taking Lamictal 200 mg and Haldol 2 mg. When first diagnosed with Bi-Polar I was apprehensive to take anything that would make me gain weight. My psychiatrist prescribed me Lamictal and it has been a true lifesaver. One thing to know about Lamictal is that it can cause a very serious and life threatening rash dubbed, "Lamictal rash". If you decide to take Lamictal, don't play around with it. Most people that get the rash abruptly quit taking the medication with doctor's approval or increase the dosage without the doctor knowing. I've been on it 5 years and going strong. I've also heard good things about Geodon. :)

[pubhealthjourn]

Lamictal isn't supposed to cause weight gain, but since I've been on it (5 months) I have gained 30 lbs and gone up two sizes. None of my clothes fit anymore. And the rate of weight gain seems to be increasing, not decreasing.
No change in my other meds, diet, or exercise level.
From reading around the Internet, it seems lamictal is commonly weight-neutral but does cause weight gain in some people.
In my case, enough to cause enough weight-related health risks and self-esteem issues, I am going to go off it.

[Anneinside]

I have BP1 and I take Lamictal. However, it works best on depression, not so well for mania,

[Sara2746]

The biggest issue with Lamictal is "the lamictal rash," but this is actually usually either very temporary or the sign of a serious allergic reaction (like it was for me) I got awful purple splotches head to toe that itched and then eventually hurt like bruises. I wish I wasn't allergic because I gained 40 pounds while taking Seroquel over a six month period!