 |
| FAQ/Help |
| Calendar |
| Search |
|
Veteran Member
Member Since Aug 2010
Location: N Yorkshire
Posts: 305
13 24 hugs
given |
Apr 05, 2011 at 03:23 AM
#1
I'm here to raise the ever so troubling issue of weight gain due to meds.
I've been on Sodium Valpraote for a month now and I have already gained enough weight not to fit in my clothes...It's not that I think I'm fat, but I'm so used to being quite thin that I don't like the extra pounds (almost a stone!) Then I thought I shouldn't care as the med is working and this side effect is bound to wear off. But the only clothes I can fit in are flowy dresses! Even my jogging bottoms are getting uncomfortable. I'm trying to cut down on food but it's very hard. I don't eat junk but I always have a snack before going to bed, which I think is what's doing the most harm (cheese on toast) but I can't sleep without it. Any suggestions? I don't want to end up having to replace all of my clothes..... |
|
 Reply With Quote
|
|
Silver Swan
Member Since Jan 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 16,579
(SuperPoster!)
16 2,589 hugs
given 
|
Apr 05, 2011 at 07:39 AM
#2
Sadrobot I had the same problem. Was thin, went on depakote, got hungry and easily gained quite a bt of weight quickly. It's why I went on lithium instead.
|
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
|
Member
Member Since Feb 2011
Location: ohio
Posts: 129
13 49 hugs
given |
Apr 05, 2011 at 12:09 PM
#3
sadrobot.. i am having the same trouble with the side effects also. i am torn because my med is working for me but the added pounds really stink. it causes depression in itself but i am coming to the conclusion that a little extra weight is not all that bad best wishes
|
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
|
Magnate
Member Since Jul 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 2,835
13 432 hugs
given
|
Apr 05, 2011 at 12:15 PM
#4
sad robot I can totally relate. Since they started me on prozac I gained 50+ pounds. Now I am struggling to get the weight off. It is slowly coming off, bit I have to watch how much I eat and cut out the evening snacks. I was walking daily, but I kind of let that go to the wayside. So yeah, the med is helping but I just wish there was no weight gain. Guess we got to take the good with the bad.
__________________ Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~ Dr. Seuss |
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
|
Guest
Posts: n/a
|
Apr 05, 2011 at 04:09 PM
#5
Hi Sadrobot. I had the same thing from Seroquel....went up almost 2 clothing sizes... and still have that STARVING feeling before I go to bed. I've lost some of it...exercising a lot now and my before bed snack is a 100 calorie protien shake. It's hard because the med helps me more than anything else but the weight gain is tough.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
|
Poohbah
Member Since Nov 2007
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 1,276
16 3 hugs
given
|
Apr 05, 2011 at 10:29 PM
#6
I don't know how much a stone is as I use ounces and pounds... but it sure sounds like a lot more than a pebble....LOL
|
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
|
Veteran Member
Member Since Aug 2010
Location: N Yorkshire
Posts: 305
13 24 hugs
given |
Apr 06, 2011 at 01:38 AM
#7
Thanks everyone
 Unfortunately there is no way of changing the med any time soon, I have two very stressful months ahead of me and I don't want to risk stability...Moose - I might consider lithium after that, if I see this not getting any better. How different did you find it? Jaded - I will try the protein shake before going to bed instead. Or teach myself it's ok to feel starved?! During the day it's easier in a way, but at night...I'm so glad the dress I got for my sister's wedding is slightly big..By June it will be well-fitted..Let us hope not too small..! |
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
|
Member
Member Since Mar 2011
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posts: 178
13 |
Apr 06, 2011 at 04:41 AM
#8
Quote:
I am on the same drug as you are, along with abilify. It used to be combined with zyprexa; which was a brutal cocktail for me. Shouldn't have done this as I paid a price, but I came off the drugs for a year, lost 97lbs, and am now a normal weight. I am not finding that the sodium valproate actually is causing me any weight issues, so I think maybe you can control the weight gain by a little diet and more exercise. You are right - if you can avoid eating past 8:00AM, and be fussy about the diet, I don't see any reason why the weight won't come off. |
|
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
|
Member
Member Since Oct 2010
Location: Texas
Posts: 162
13 |
Apr 06, 2011 at 08:32 AM
#9
What helps me is taking topomax 300mg as it curbs my appetite and I have no weight gain with meds like these.
__________________ 
|
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
|
Veteran Member
Member Since Aug 2010
Location: N Yorkshire
Posts: 305
13 24 hugs
given |
Apr 07, 2011 at 05:23 AM
#10
Thank you
I will see how it goes....And after I finally finish uni decide if I should try something different, and avoid mirrors until then..! (Or clothes for that matter  )
|
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
| Reply |
This is an old thread. You probably should not post your reply to it, as the original poster is unlikely to see it.|
|
My Support Forums is the online community that was originally begun as the Psych Central Forums in 2001. It now runs as an independent self-help support group community for mental health, personality, and psychological issues and is overseen by a group of dedicated, caring volunteers from around the world.
Linear Mode
