I recently changed mood stabilizers from Geodon to Lithium will it make me gain !
Question: I recently changed mood stabilizers from Geodon to Lithium will it make me gain weight!?
When I did some research of mood stabilizers (I have bi-polar NOS) I found that some forms of lithium say that they have loss of appetite as a side effect, but with the specific brand my psychiatrist gave me has weight gain as a side effect!. I gained 4 lbs!. per month on Geodon, so I was wanting something that wouldn't make me gain so much weight when I requested the switch!. Does anyone know much about the weight gain/weight loss side effects of Lithium!?Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
Lithium is thought to have 2 effects that make people gain weight!.!.!. It slows down your metabolism by 15% (which isn't all that much) so instead of eating 2000 calories, you should eat 1700!. People who continue to eat 2000 would slowly gain weight!. The second cause of weight gain is the fact that lithium can make you very thirsty since it's a salt, and many people start drinking soda and other high calorie drinks!. So if you watch what you eat and drink, you really shouldn't have a problem!. I'm on 1500mg of lithium, don't really exercise but I walk a lot and I've been losing weight (I gained tons of weight on zyprexa before I started the lithium)!. So just be sensible (something everyone should do)!. Good luck!Www@Answer-Health@Com
I took Lithium for quite a while!. I didn't gain on it!. However, I run every day and watch what i eat!. My point is!.!.!. when you are on these types of drugs that have the potential to make you gain weight it is important to exercise daily and eat as healthy as possible!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
I have always been super skinny all my life!. I can eat anything and as much of it!. I have to say in my case, lithium packed on 15-20 pounds in a matter of two months!. I stopped taking it!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Yes, lithium causes significant weight gain!. But it varies from person to person!.Www@Answer-Health@Com