Hi, welcome. I gained forty pounds on Lithium, which I wasn't happy about - but I was in a bad mixed episode and it was the only med that could pull me out of it. After the episode ended, my pdoc put me on a weight-neutral AP and I dieted and gradually lost the forty pounds.

For now, all my meds are weight-neutral and I'm the same weight "pre-bipolar"....but I would go back on Lithium again if it was the only thing that helped me.

Basically, I've been able to work with my pdoc to create a "med cocktail" that doesn't cause weight gain for me or leave me overly sedated during the day. It took a lot of med changes to get to a combo that helps me and to avoid those to side effects, but it is possible. i currently take Lamictal, Geodon, Klonopin, Wellbutrin, and Lexapro.

I always will try a med that lists weight gain as a side effect - I've found that it's not a guarantee I will gain weight. My pdoc won't prescribe Zyprexa to his patients because of weight gain, although I have read it is a helpful med for many people.

Take care. xo