Posted by Mystery Jordan on December 10, 2003, at 17:10:41
In reply to weight gain stuffs! » bookgurl99, posted by Kathy Turner on November 28, 2003, at 15:31:21
> >To Bookgur199,
>
> I was just discussing today with my sister, who is also Bi-Polar, how Depakote effected her. She talked about definate weight gain so she went off it long ago. Then I read your message and you sound so much like me regarding "I just want to lay in bed and be sad and eat". I think I've gained about 7-10 pounds since I started Depakote, which was about 3 months ago. I had recently got back into my work out schedule, but I don't really see any difference. But then again, I've been eating like a pig.(I do not have a history of overeating, and I've been thin my whole life.) I've never had to diet in my life. So like you, I'm not sure if it's the Depakote, or just slowing down in life, or getting older (40) or what. I do know that I hate it. I have a wicked hard time getting up in the morning - always. I drag myself out of bed, yet I get PLENTY of sleep. I also take Wellbutron too.
> I think the medicine is working well otherwise and I really don't want to switch AGAIN, but I really feel tired almost all the time. Who knows.
> Kathy
> Hey all --
> >
> > I've been on Depakote for about 2 months now. Things are going well as far as effectiveness, etc.
> >
> > I'm also on Lexapro, 10 mgs every day (actually sometimes I just take it every other day -- every day causes lethargy for me. I told my doctor, he didn't mind).
> >
> > So . . I lost 5 pounds the first month, as I was exercising and doing well and happy. But now, don't know if it's winter coming on or what, but I'm starting to feel hungry and tired more. I just want to lay in bed and be sad and eat.
> >
> > Some of this could related to family-related stress (my partner needs a good job), and the recent death of a good friend.
> >
> > What could I do to minimize Depakote's part in all this? Is it the kind of med where, once you eat something sweet, you just have to have the whole box?
> >
> >
>
>I was researching this on the internet and found another posting by a therapist who said that there seems to be a complusive need to constantly eat while on depakote....I've only been on this for about 2 weeks and I've gained about 10 pounds...and I've been driven to contantly eat. This is coming from a recovering anorexic! From one end of the spectrum to the other extreme right now....I added my topamax back into my routine (I have some left) and the drive to eat has faded away. The suggestion to add topamax has been given on several web sites, so I thought I was very lucky to have it on hand...I just can't take it as a mood stabilizer alone anymore...it won't handle my manias anymore. But since depakote will...then I see no problems with taking both drugs to counter this problem...because believe me, I have been exercising and it's only increasing my need for food! And water!
poster:Mystery Jordan
thread:91119
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031208/msgs/288517.html