Hey ladies, first time poster in this particular forum! I've been diagnosed with rapid cycling bipolar disorder. I've been on and off meds for 7 or so years. I gained a lot of weight with Depakote, but I also ate like crap. I lost 80 pounds, then slowly put some of it back on
Earlier this year I was hospitalized for being suicidal, and the hospital put me on Zyprexa. WOW I had never felt such peace before. This medicine is a wonder drug for me, but the side effects...the weight gain...suck.
I was in the hospital for 5 days, during those 5 days I gained 12 pounds. I went off Zyprexa afterwards and tried Abilify (made me restless) and went back on Lamictal, but it was too expensive. (I go to a community clinic and receive free samples of Zyprexa).
Anyhow, I've been off meds for 4 months because I thought I could handle it. Well, I can't. My mood swings are off the charts and only getting worse. I have an appointment with my pdoc Tuesday, and I am going to ask to go back on Zyprexa. I know, the weight gain, but I'm willing to work with it because I can't stand being like this for much longer. I've tried pretty much every mood stabilizer under the sun, with varying degrees of success, but Zyprexa is the winner.
Long story short, how can I curb these side effects? I've stocked the house with crunchy veggies (no dip) to try to satisfy the inevitable munchies I will get. I'm just terrified of gaining a lot of weight like I did before and while I was on Depakote.
Thanks for the advice, ladies