I have to do something about it!

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I’m gaining so much weight on Depakote!
Over 30 pounds within 6 months!

I am going to die of a heart attack or massive stroke!

This is unacceptable!

My psychiatrist refuses to take me off of Depakote.

I’m on another mood stabilizer, I want to remain on just the Lamictal as my sole mood stabilizer.

But she wont go for it.

I am perpetually hungry!

I am constantly eating!

I can’t live like this.

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I’m sorry @Wave is there another pdoc you can go to for a second opinion on the meds … I’ve also gained some weight :confounded:

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I wish I had an answer for you @Wave .

Maybe caplyta might help. A recent trial showed benefits in bipolar depression.

From Google:

Mood stabilizers used to treat bipolar disorder include lithium (Lithobid), valproic acid (Depakene), divalproex sodium (Depakote), carbamazepine (Tegretol, Equetro, others) and lamotrigine (Lamictal). All of these medications are known to increase the risk of weight gain except lamotrigine.

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Ughhhhhh @Wave – I’m SO sorry!! I know the weight struggle and the panic that comes when you’re putting it on from meds! I think we all do, unfortunately.

My only mood stabilizer is Lamictal.

I agree with @anon25873142 – maybe consult another pdoc if that’s possible?

We shouldn’t have to suffer for sanity… :frowning:

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Thanks @anon25873142 @everhopeful and @Pandy
I really don’t need a second opinion because I know she’s right.
Without Depakote I become very unstable.

I’ve been on all the mood stabilizers and Depakote works the best.

Lamictal helps with depression but I need a med to also control my manias.

I guess I’m going to just accept living my life as an obese person.

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It’s so painful.

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Sorry @Wave I agree with @anon25873142 – you should maybe get a second opinion on the meds.

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Hopefully new meds come out soon so you can give them a try.

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You can lose weight on it. You just have to be devoted to losing weight. It’s not easy, but it is possible

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The thing is the Depakote increases my appetite so much!
I am constantly hungry and it makes me crave carbs and sweets!

I lost so much weight when I wasn’t taking Depakote but then I was cycling into suicidal depression.

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That was exactly my situation on Olanzapine. Nothing changed while I was becoming fat and unhealthy. It was only after I became so unhealthy that I was at risk of dying early that the docs started to do get concerned about it. We then lowered my dose, but we lowered it too much and I became psychotic, then I switched to another med and all my problems went away. This process took about 15 years. So I know how frustrating it can be.

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Yes thanks @Headspark

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I crave sweets too. I just have to remind myself that for me, being hungry is how I should feel, because otherwise I’d eat everything in sight. I plan my calories for the day and stick with that.

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@Wave, I was here when you were off the depakote.
You were in serious condition.
Maybe to try to eat healthier and exercise…

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Yes @anon22846033 without Depakote I was in serious condition.

I’d love to eat healthier and I’m going to try but just like Olanzapine, Depakote makes me crave carbs and junk food.

But I’m going to try harder.

Thanks buddy

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I was saying in another part of the forum that I gained back 10 pounds of the 56 I lost. I need to lose it, and then first lose another 40-50 pounds.

I just started exercising again. That’s the easy part for me. I want to eat cookies, etc, all the time. I just have to keep choosing not to. Totally sucks.

You can do this!!

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@Wave

I take Lamictal, but did you see the dietician? I lost 51 pounds in 1 year taking 500 mgs of Seroquel.

I haven’t lost weight recently because I have a poor diet and don’t exercise (I eat potato chips and ice cream every night).

I hope you can find a way to lose weight and stay on Depakote.

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Thanks @Pandy and @anon16583342!

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I eat a lot of that, but I walk. My hip got better, I dont force my self. Two, three miles a day.
I eat only burgers, pizza and tost. Have nothing in fridge.
But, in spite of all time hearing from people that Im fat, I aint gonna get married to a supermodel, or post naked with muscles on Insta…

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Thanks @LilyoftheValley!
Like I keep saying, you are an inspiration!

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