Trileptal - Weight gain/Sleepiness vs. Depakote - Weight gain/Sleepiness - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

teadkin · 10-15-2004, 10:14 PM

I've been put on Depakote 250mg in the morning and 500mg at night! I have read so many places that Depakote causes weight gain, and since I just lost 20l pounds after 2 back surgeries this summer, the last thing I want to do is gain it back and then some. When I was put on Prozac, I gained 40+ pounds, I lost it only to gain it all bakck again. Now, after years of being off Prozac, I have lost 20 pounds but I was just put on Depakote about 3 weeks ago and I am terrified of going overboard with the weight-gain that is inevitable in my case if there is ever ANY chance of an increase in weight associated with a medication. Does anyone know if there is a problem with weight gain and Trileptal? Also, I am majorly dozing all of the time, but I was also put on Geodon a week ago. Does Depakote make you extremely sleepy, how about if I can switch to Trileptal, does high doses of that zap you of all energy?? Thanks for the reply/replies!! teadkin

weasel · 10-16-2004, 08:22 AM

i ha dno weight gain on trileptal but i felt like a zombie and it didnt help me at all.......i havent been on depakote, but my sister was, and she blew up like a ballon.....went from under weight to over weight. although she had a diet that consisted mainly of ice cream......i think if you are worried about it, one way to minimize it is just be careful what you eat.

analog2000 · 10-16-2004, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teadkin

I am majorly dozing all of the time, but I was also put on Geodon a week ago.

My husband takes Geodon and has had incredible success with it. But it absolutely knocks him out!

He was having a lot of trouble until we figured out it was the Geodon causing the tiredness. He has gone down to the lowest possible dose and takes it before bed. It kicks in after about an hour, and then I could drive a truck through the room and he wouldn't notice.

Good luck.

Lonely810810 · 10-18-2004, 10:44 AM

I took depakote er 1500 mg a day and gained 30 pounds in a month.I am currently on trileptal 1800mg aday and have a slight very slight weight gain nothing compared to depakote.I am also on abilify and it is like an appetitite suppressant.So it kinda evens out.I also take zolft.Oh and xanax.As far as the effect of the medication I like depakote the best it calmed me down as far as a mood stabilizer goes.Trileptal is good to.I always feel happy.Until I forget to take it.

Saraagan · 10-22-2004, 05:45 PM

I have not seen any weight gain on Depokote! I am also on Effexor as well. I just watch what I eat! I am however, tired all the flipping time! SUCKS the big one!