I had some serious weight gain on it and I've always been EXTREMELY sensitive about my body image. I'm glad others have said something so similar in this thread. I feel kind of lame having this be my number one issue with the drug when numerous BP meds can cause weight gain. It really is a big deal to me, though. It can be very triggering, especially when I'm depressed. If the weight gain continued—and I wish I had the confidence to say I'd NEVER do this, but it is a risk—I'd become very tempted to stop taking it on my own. I'm working on my negative body image and food issues in therapy, because it needs to be dealt with, but in the meantime, it's safer for me to be on a weight neutral medication. So far I've been managed well with Tegretol.

Despite all the negative I can say about it, it DID pull me out of acute mania, so I do see the merit to it, but not for me longterm. I'm very glad it's worked well for you, however! I hope your success continues.