I have known I was bipolar for about 2 years now, started on lithium, worked great but was concerned that I would gain weight. Used lamictal but it has stopped working, don't want to increase dosage. I just discovered that my husband as well as my 10 year old son are also bipolar. I have never been manic enough to hear or see things but my husband is going through this. It is a chaotic unstable nightmare around here. So here's the deal, I am 5 ft 3, 144 lean pounds (bodybuilder) I have been a fitness model etc. My husband has been very insecure lately about my appearance being too "good". I am switching to 1000mg of depakote, how much weight gain is average at this dose? What is weird is that I am almost looking forward to being fat for a change in my life. My husband says he does not care. If I get sick of the weight will it come off? I THINK I can tolerate 30 to 50lbs. Any feedback on this? I am active and workout about 2 hours a week.