I had gained weight when I was on Depakote (valproic acid), I now take Lamictal 200mg and still stay with low dose of Lithium (not as weight gain producing as Depakote). I was diagnosed as being Bipolar-II (mild) due to the way I reacted towards a family thing 3 years ago (trigger). I first was put on Depakote and Remeron, we eliminated the Remeron cause it was too "zombifying", so they put me on Celexa for the depression (suicidal) with the Depakote, after a year and falling asleep 3 times within that year I asked my new doc (I had just moved) to let me try Lithium, my brother has been on it for over 33 years with excellent results, and he did not gain weight from it, just over the years of being middle aged did that. The doc included the Lamictal because the depression wasn't completely out of the picture and Celexa and the other SSRI's no longer worked, soooooooooo I said let's give it a shot, the stuff has worked, I've been on it since Aug.2002 and things are going good, I have even managed to remain "functional" during the past few months that have been very hard, I lost my dad on 11/26/02 who I loved very very much. I am working on this main issue with continued "talk therapy" and staying with my meds, but I think "time" is what will be key in getting through this. Weight has always been my issue, I won't say the meds haven't contributed to it, but I have not been as avtive as I was before I had moved here almost 2 years ago. Not to sound like a Lithium & Lamictal salesperson, but both have worked miracles neither one has given me an increased appetite, but Depakote use to make me feel like eating constantly Oh, I left out that my doc had also tried me on Topamax cause I did not want to gain anymore weight, I had already had gained nearly 30 lbs. from the damn Depakote. There have been some people that lose weight from Topamax but unfortunately I wasn't one of the lucky people, so I said to the doc "let's forget that" and get some "serious" working meds. that's when he said let's try the Lamictal, I hesitated but after I had drove out to where I use to live and saw my former doc for a re-evaluation, she suggested the same med. Maybe if you haven't tried the meds. I mentioned you may want to ask your doc about them.
Just my 2 cents
Many good wishes to you
Take care,
"darkeyes"

PS Sorry this was so lengthy