I’ve gained like 3 pounds in under 2 weeks since going back on Depakote.
My moods are better but maybe it’s because I’m getting more sleep now.
Going to ask my doctor to get me off this med.
I was going to remain on a low dose but now I want to try and manage my moods without a mood stabilizer.
Hopefully Risperdal will be enough.
Most of the mood stabilizers are big weight gainers.
I need to watch out for my physical health too.
Enough is enough.
I know how you feel, I’ve been on paliperidone now for 3 years and I’ve gained 40lbs. I want to get off this med but they won’t let me. It’s frustrating.
I’m sorry @Natron
I know the feeling
ah sorry to hear you gaining weight on the depakote…
I hope you can get off of it without having too many issues…
Yeah thanks @lekkerhondje
I agree.
Less medication, the better.
Yes thanks @Ares
Try Lithium or Topomax. Those are weight losers, I think. Topomax is a mood stabilizer but I don’t know if pdocs use it for that.
3 lbs. is just water weight fluctuations @Vertigo . That’s not enough to call it weight gain just yet.
Lithium is a big weight gaining drug, mainly water weight gain.
I hear bad things about Topamax.
Plus it’s a very weak mood stabilizer.
I’d probably need something stronger.
I was on lithium before for years, it eventually gave me hypothyroidism.
Thanks @SkinnyMe
What bad things do you hear about Topomax? I’ve been taking it for years with no problems. I take it primarily for migraines but it also helps keep my weight down @Vertigo .
And yes, Topomax is a weak mood stabilizer but it’s better than nothing which is what you’re proposing.
I didn’t realize you were on it @SkinnyMe
I heard it can affect cognition.
This is what I found.
Topiramate may induce manic episodes in patients with a history of seizures or prior psychiatric illnesses. In the case reported by Jochum, an alteration in AMPA neurotransmission was considered to be the cause of topiramate -associated manic episode.
3 pounds isn’t a lot.
I’d say it’s a small price to pay for a better mental health
I know how you feel because my Zyprexa has side effects, but when I stop it I go back to hospital.
Maybe you can ask your psy doc to lower the dose and find the lowest dose you can take without you going psychotic again (or high and depressed if you’re more the bipolar type)
good luck to you 
If I decide to stay on Depakote I’ll stay on my current 500mg dose.
Im not going to raise it.
500mg is a very low dose but it’s working.
Topomax doesn’t induce mania in me. At least my health team members don’t tell me I’m manic. I’m sleeping good and I’m not spending much money… In fact I’ve been a miser all my life.
As long as your 500 mg dose is working, what’s to worry?
Oh, now I know why I’m so stupid. It’s the Topomax!! LOL.
Ha… You’re funny @SkinnyMe ! 
My therapist doesn’t think that 500mg is enough for my weight class.
Maybe she has a point. @SkinnyMe
My therapist thinks I should listen to my doctor and go to 1000mg.
Especially that I’m going on vacation far away from home in July or August, she feels that 500mg might not be enough to stabilize me in the long run.
I’ll see what my psychiatrist thinks about it next week when I see her.