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Valproic Acid and weight gain  

post #1 of 5
2/12/08 at 4:05pm
Thread Starter 
So, my doctor wants me to start on Valproic Acid (AKA Depakene) after my liver tests come back. I am already on a 150 wellbutrin and 25 celexa combo and she wants to add the VPA to help with my manic cycles.

Ive been doing some reading on the net though, and one of the main side effects is weight gain. Does anyone have any experience with this drug and can tell me if this is a certain side effect? I wont take it if it is. I have an ED and I have struggled with being obese for half my life.. I wont go back there to be sane, LOL it'll just make everything worse.
post #2 of 5
2/12/08 at 4:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by nym View Post
So, my doctor wants me to start on Valproic Acid (AKA Depakene) after my liver tests come back. I am already on a 150 wellbutrin and 25 celexa combo and she wants to add the VPA to help with my manic cycles.

Ive been doing some reading on the net though, and one of the main side effects is weight gain. Does anyone have any experience with this drug and can tell me if this is a certain side effect? I wont take it if it is. I have an ED and I have struggled with being obese for half my life.. I wont go back there to be sane, LOL it'll just make everything worse.
Are you Bipolar? I'm concerned that your doctor has you on antidepressants. Are you seeing a psychiatrist?

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&s...ssants&spell=1

I did gain from Depakote. Thankfully I take Lamictal now, which has virtually no side effects save for the rare rash, usually due to high doseage, increasing dose to quickly, interactions with another drug (valporate is one of them) or just bad luck.
post #3 of 5
2/12/08 at 4:24pm
It does cause weight gain. Apparently, the generic for even more so. My DD was on it for a long time and gained a LOT.

www.crazymeds.com is a great site with tons of info I found helpful.
post #4 of 5
2/12/08 at 5:12pm
it's www.crazymeds.us now

Question is: why does it cause weight gain? Is it because of increased cravings and appetite, or is it because of water retention. If the first, you have some (not much) control over this by eating a low carbohydrate diet to reduce cravings.
post #5 of 5
2/12/08 at 5:13pm
Thread Starter 
Yes, I am Bipolar.

I am really concerned with the weight gain aspect of this drug. I have read that it is comparable to lithium. Would that be a better choice?
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