lexapro depakote slowed metabolism

Hello. You have a very “normal” problem for a bipolar patient on meds. Slowed metabolism is a usual cause of lexapro/ depakote and other, for example Celexa medications. This is a two sided story… if you are on meds, you shell gain weight, if you are off meds, you shall loose it, but other bipolar problem shall occur. Then again, there is another way… you could control your eating and of course exercise… I know it is easier said than done.
Some bipolar medications are more likely to cause weight gain, also these medications have some other implications. For example, did you know that Depakote has bee implicated in causing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), which is a variation on metabolic syndrome, Zyprexa has been implicated in causing diabetes, which is basically a severe version of metabolic syndrome etc. I my opinion, bipolar medications provide much greater health risk then they actually help.

I have had so much trouble with weight gain over the past three to four years. I was put on lexapro for PPD which helped me more than I can say. But I haven't been able to get off of it for more than a couple weeks at a time. I had my thyroid removed and it really put my body into a spin. I gain 100 pounds after that. I lost 70, and have gain back 20. I can't control it. I hate to be told to exercise more, or eat better. I am a vegetarian, and eat well for the most part. I am an active person, though I don't exercise regularly because of arthritis. After my thryroid was removed I was diagnosed with Bi-polar 2, anxiety and agoraphobia. I was on seroquil, which helped alot at the time, but cause a lot of weight gain. It was better than feeling like I did before it. I have been off seroquel for a couple years now, and am doing well but still battling the weight. It is so hard for me too because I was so thin all my life. One of those girls that could eat anything, had two kids and still was about 125 and 5'6 those days are long gone and I don't believe I will ever see them again. I would settle for just a "normal" comfortable size. Is there any help for people like us out there?[/list]

I’m hi CJames92935. I just saw your post and it was a year ago. I hope your doing well. I was on Lexapro, Depakote, and Wellbutrin. I had god through a very rough patch in life as many people experience. They diagnosed me with BP 2. After extensive research I’ve found the thyroid plays a big part with misdiagnosis. I have hypothyroid and feel much better now that it’s being treated. I have successfully stopped taking 20 mg of lexapro and Wellbutrin. Next to go is Depakote. I’m now seeing a holistic psychiatrist. What a relief. Acupuncture, proper eating (no prepackaged poison), and staying on top of blood work is key. I too had a terrible amount of weight gain. From a size 9 to 16. It was devastating on my self confidence and health. Never had a weight issue till these horrible drugs. Needless to say I’m able to lose the weight effortlessly. Took hours, weeks, months, years of research but have found answers. Best ones have come from message boards. People suffering from these drugs like us. They have been more valuable than any medical sites by leaps and bounds. Many Drs don’t know how to properly wean patients off nor do they know long term damage possibilities. Compliments of big pharma. Take care of yourself, listen to your peers, stay away from those dangerous drugs and you will be great. It’s all about feeding the mind and body happy food. Also, exercise is important but sometimes not feasible due to injury. Find other easy ways to work out. Quitting the psych drugs = weight loss and clearer happier mind and soul.