What are my options for Bi-Polar medications that does not cause weight gain?!
Question: I am hypo-manic and trying to control the manias, anti depressants (SSRIs) are counter active.
I am on Lithium, Lamictal, & Lorazapam.
I have tried Zyprexa & Seroquel with the same result of fast weight gain and lack of energy.
I was on Topomax for but it made me tingle in pain and I started getting memory loss. The lithium is also starting to cause some memory loss so I can't stand any other drugs that will cause more.
I've heard Risperdal will cause weight gain. I've heard Tegretol & Trileptal cause memory loss.
Does anyone have any more ideas?
Answers: I am hypo-manic and trying to control the manias, anti depressants (SSRIs) are counter active.
I am on Lithium, Lamictal, & Lorazapam.
I have tried Zyprexa & Seroquel with the same result of fast weight gain and lack of energy.
I was on Topomax for but it made me tingle in pain and I started getting memory loss. The lithium is also starting to cause some memory loss so I can't stand any other drugs that will cause more.
I've heard Risperdal will cause weight gain. I've heard Tegretol & Trileptal cause memory loss.
Does anyone have any more ideas?
The only bi-polar med that I am aware of that doesn't cause weight gain is lamictal. (on its own) but combined with other drugs you will still get the weight gain.
Its a real Bugger that we can't have decent meds for our bi-polar!!!
maybe depakote. i took depakote for epilepsi which i know is for bipolar people too. i gained a little weight but def in no way a lot of weight.
BIPOLAR: PAGE J. BIPOLAR DISORDER TREATMENT: SUPPLEMENTS. 47 17:41:39 - 27/12/2007
HERBS FOR BIPOLAR(K) TREATING BIPOLAR DISORDER WITH HERBS. 22 17:44:32 - 27/12/2007
VITAMINS FOR BIPOLAR TREATING BIPOLAR DISORDER WITH VITAMINS. 45 00:33:29 - 27/12/2007
MINERALS FOR BIPOLAR TREATING BIPOLAR DISORDER WITH MINERALS.
My standard post follows: See bipolar disorder, at ezy-build * (below) in section 10, and take the quiz, if unsure, and if the results are positive, ensure you get an expert diagnosis from a mental health professional, not doctors, who are much better dealing with physical ailments, and don't diagnose complex disorders like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and borderline personality disorder often enough to develop any real expertise. Bipolar disorder usually involves major moodswings, which occur without apparent cause, and often over many months, or a matter of years, rather than days, as with most people (unless rapid cycling). I'd take 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements daily, replacing 2 of them with cod liver oil supplements in the winter months. If you decide to use allopathic (modern Western) medicine, I recommend trying Lithium Carbonate, or Lithium Citrate (regular tests are necessary, for these), before trying the other mood stabilisers, but if you aren't good at taking medications regularly, drinking adequate water, and keeping up your salt intake, something else may suit you better. Always check out anything first at http://www.drugs.com/, so you will be aware of the risks, and on the lookout for side effects. (Personally, if I wasn't bipolar type 1, and didn't experience hallucinations, or serious delusional states, I know I'd first try the orthomolecular and Omega 3 fish oil supplements, vitamins, minerals, and mostly raw food diet, for several months. I'd aso eat in accordance with my "nutritional type". Enter that term in the searchbar at http://www.mercola.com/ ). If not considerably improved, after several months, consult your primary mental health care provider. If bipolar type 1, an antipsychotic medication may also be needed. Everyone should take the Omega 3 supplements, or preferably "krill oil" for its other health benefits: use the searchbar at http://www.mercola.com/ . Some people refuse medication, using supplements, and a selective, mostly raw food diet (I do not recommended trying this, if bipolar 1, unless you aren't troubled by hallucinations, or delusional states). Maintain the treatments for the depressive phase, in section 2, at * http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris If you decide to try the alternative treatments, start now, and begin tapering off other medications, (with medical advice as to how long to take for each) in several weeks time, since they are not quick acting. Also check out any medications at www.crazymeds.us
The old antipsychotics were less likely to cause weight gain (haloperidol etc.), but they have some other serious side effects, and aren't effective as long-term mood stabilisers, only in the short term treatment of mania.