[Amy3boys]

I have depression w/ bipolar features; my doctor hasn't given me a 1 or 2 diagnosis. I've had depressive episodes and other symptoms like insomnia and racing thoughts. For years I was fine on antidepressants (and Klonopin for a sleep disorder) but about eight years ago I went through a severe, extremely anxious depression and my new doctor prescribed Zyprexa and Cymbalta. I got better pretty quickly but eventually wanted to switch meds b/c of weight gain. Anyways, fast forward to now and I'm taking Prozac, Geodon, Klonopin and Adderall for crushing fatigue that is a primary symptom of my depression. I've gained a lot of weight in the past year, partially from taking a low dose of Remeron for sleep for awhile, and my doctor tells me Geodon and Prozac don't cause weight gain...but I've been reading that they can. I have very high cholesterol and antipsychotics can increase cholesterol. I am just not comfortable with staying on antipsychotics for much longer b/c of all of the bad side effects. Does anyone have a suggestion for a mood stabilizing med that I can ask my doctor about that is not an antipsychotic and does not cause weight gain? My doctor thinks the Geodon helps my depression in combination with an antidepressant but I want to get off of it!

[Blue_Bird]

I've been on trileptal for a couple years now, haven't had weight gain and it's been very helpful.

Good experiences with Depakote as well but some weight gain. Lithium was a nightmare for me but it's helpful for a lot of people

I've heard good things about Lamictal

[BP1beauty]

I'm on Serequel XR and its causing me weight gain . I might switch back to saphris , even though it taste absolutely disgusting I'd rather try that. Lithium didnt cause weight gain for me either.

[wiretwister]

never had weight issues with geodon ... it helped my sleep .... once I quit I did not sleep deeply for months ...
I am now on lamictal and abilify ... doing ok ...

[Wander]

I also have had no weight gain or any side effects from Geodon in the two months since I started it. It has been a life saving med dealing with major psychosis and being a adjunct mood stabiliser. However we are all different so definitely talk to your pdoc about it.

[raspberrytorte]

Lamictal has been very helpful for me and no weight gain!

I haven't had problems with weight gain on Geodon as well. I'm on Depakote, Zyprexa, and Trileptal and am not gaining weight, although I can't lose weight either (I suspect I could if I weren't on the Zyprexa).

[luvyrself]

Tegretol is great, related to tripleptal. They wanted to try me on lithium again instead but Ill try 1/2 a .25 tablet of Xanax to bring me down from hypomania.
I react very badly to antipsychotics, terrible panic attacks and restlessness.

[mountainstream]

[jaysmotogp]

Mood stabilizer+non-psychotic+no weight gain= Lithium

[still_crazy]

gabapentin, lyrica, benzodiazepines. not ideal, but...beats the neuroleptics. up on sedatives = lower on neuroleptic, for me. :-)

[Blueberrybook]

Remeron is bad for weight gain, even in a low dose, my experience at least.

I’m on Seroquel (regular release), no issues with weight gain though others have it. Tried timed release Seroquel, made me very groggy, could have increased appetite, not sure, not on it long.

I am like many with bipolar, on an antidepressant (Wellbutrin), mood stabilizer (Lamictal), atypical AP (Seroquel).

I have other meds for anxiety and panic disorder and sleep.

Had to see a new pdoc around a year ago, he gave me the ADHD diagnosis, I could have it, it could just be all these stupid meds. I guess I kept zoning out and not paying attention to him during appts. At any rate, I can focus to read now, watch a TV show, etc.

There really is no perfect or magic med cocktail out there. Everyone is different. If weight concerns you, Remeron might be partly to blame.

[kstella95]

Originally Posted by Blue_Bird

I've heard good things about Lamictal

I know someone whose on Lamictal and it’s helped them quiet a bit. Not sure exactly to what extent; but, what I would suggest is just talking to your doctor about your concerns and see what they suggest. They are the only ones other than you, who would know what would work for you.

[franniebeans]

The only thing that will help the racing thoughts is lithium. It just slows your brain down and makes it more normal.
I haven’t gained any Weight on it but it does make you thirsty :/ and yeah the shakes are small. I’ve been on it for two years and I feel great