Expert: Libby Bonner - 9/3/2008

Question
healthyI am a 45 year old woman who after many misdiagnosis is finally receiving treatment for bipolar I disorder.  My question is that after almost two years of taking Lithium (600 mg per day) I have gained at least 40 pounds.  I am following a rigorous exercise routine and following a healthy diet.  I have never been overweight in my life and am finding that this is a major set back for me.  My self esteem is plummeting.  Can you recommend any medications that might at least lessen what is happening?  Aside from the medication, nothing in my diet or exercise has changed.healthy

Answer
Glad you have the right diagnosis at last.

I checked only rxlist.com and note that lithium may cause either wgt loss or wgt gain!  

Again, from rxlist.com, lamictal - which your doc might agree to try instead - reports wgt gain, though it might not happen for you.  It would be a more expensive med AND there would be the further problem of transitioning you from lithium to lamictal.

Depakote is sometimes used alone but is a sure bet for weight gain.

So many psych meds have icky side effects.  For a woman, weight gain would be really icky.  But - the trite answer - if you are finally feeling better and getting your life back together....one is supposed to be glad for that (and find flattering/concealing clothing.)


Would having contacts w/ others who need to take this help you, people w/ their own weight and side-effect issues?  You might find some in person via a local NAMI Connections group or online at nami.org -- nami.org also to hunt for Connections.