I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when I was 15...I am 23 now. I've been on a host of medications. Depakote ER made me gain 80 lbs which I lost all of it. Zyprexa made me gain back 40 of it.
I've taken almost everything. It's been almost 10 years, but now I am finally, FINALLY on a combination that doesn't make me gain weight, tired, and it makes me feel good! I'm taking Lamictal, Prozac, and Lithium, btw.
ALSO wanted to add -- it's been clinically proven that certain medications (Zyprexa, Seroquel, Depakote, etc.) are notorious for causing weight gain. I have been on these types of meds and it is NOT simply an issue of controlling your appetite or your eating. These meds can make you ravenously hungry to the point where you can't stand it anymore. Waking in the middle of the night and eating because you are so darn hungry. It is non-stop. So while eating habits and exercise are important, there are some meds that will make you put on weight.
If you have any questions or need someone to talk to, PM me!