I happen to be on this site for suggestions for my daughter (also BP), but your letter struck a note with my own experience with withdrawal. I have a seizure disorder, and was taking Depakote for several months. My, did I gain the weight! It was terrible. I too, ate like food was endangered. Couldn't stop the hungries. My neuro finally agreed to try me on Topamax for the alleged weight loss side effect thing, but it turns out, it was Dope-a-Max. I slept ALL THE TIME. Needless to say, the weight stayed on due to the hibernation. Then came Trileptal, which was great for about 8 months, and then I got suddenly, EXTREME dizziness. Now is Lamictal, of which has been only 3 weeks on. Coming off the Trileptal suddenly and switching to the Lamictal has caused me terrible stomach cramps and intense nausea. I just keep waiting for it to get better. These are all the same meds that my daughter tries for BP, so I thought it may help you a little.

P.S. I am a FIRM believer in exercise and whole foods (no canned, processed or fast foods, only foods in as close to their natural state as possible). It helps with weight issues, and adds the bonus of helping your body to cope with the illness and become more efficient at that. Good luck, from my waistline to yours!