[cereberus2006]

I am currently on depakote, seraquel, and lamictal and I have gained an uncomfortable amount of weight that is really depressing me. I had to go off lithium because I am now in moderate kidney failure because of it. I want to try to drop the seraquel and go on a very low dose of depakote and higher one of the lamictal...
My psych is uncomfortable with this because she cannot suddenly increase the depakote if I get manic again because of it's dangerous side effects when combined with lamictal.
The depakote is keeping me stable but I hate it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is anyone out there who has been in a similar situation?

[Mac Murphy]

One of the horrible side effects of mood stabilizers and anti depressants is weight gain. Why that is I have no idea but it is not uncommon. Make sure your doctor knows what you are going through and see if she can tweak the meds to find a better fit for you. But don't just stop taking them on your own.
It took me 9 years to get stable after my diagnosis. Along the way some meds worked and some didn't. I had a lot of side effects... dead thyroid from lithium... and a lot of others including weight gain. I went off meds a few times and it was really bad for me. A new doctor finally took the time to evaluate me and my medical history and was able to come up with a new mix of meds that has been really good for me. But it took time and persistence.
Be sure to share everything you are feeling and experiencing with your doctor. If we aren't honest with them we will likely never get the right treatment. Your doctor is making recommendations but in the end you are the patient and it is your life. Try to be more assertive with the meds and work with the doctor. If you don't want a particular drug maybe they can find something else.
I hope you can find the right mix for you that will help you get to where you want to be.

Peace,
Mac

Originally Posted by Mac Murphy

...Be sure to share everything you are feeling and experiencing with your doctor. If we aren't honest with them we will likely never get the right treatment. ...

This is so true. I've been quite lucky - once I was properly diagnosed that is. Initially, I was misdiagnosed (by a GP out of her depth trying to work with MI) as MDD. Thus began a series of ADs by themselves. First one seemed to work - waaay too quickly. Not knowing I had BP at that point, I didn't realize that in fact it sent me into hypomania, not wellness. .. of course the crashes and ups started to rapidly increase and be worse. Biggest problem was that I blamed myself for not responding properly which gave me a very hard time admitting it and as a result was not being honest about how bad it was. Fortunately, she finally recommended a Pdoc and I was finally properly diagnosed and medicated.

Point is, years of needless suffering was the result of not being honest about it.

[ladyjrnlist]

OMG. I have gained soooo much weight since Lithium and Depakote. I hate them too. But, it's the lesser of two evils, I suppose.
At least, that's what I tell myself as I exercise, eat right, and don't lose anything.

[cereberus2006]

sooo true!!! I have changed my diet and I go to the gym 5 days a week----and havent lost a pound!!! What makes things even worse is that i have body dysmorphic disorder too and I feel disgustingly unattractive even though my boyfriend says I look o.k
Acceptance is not in my vocabulary. My self-esteem is so low that i don't even feel worthy of going on this forum.
thanks for your comments and i am going to try to find different meds