Medication Weight Gain
Wednesday July 9, 2003
Weight gain due to medications is a real issue for many with bipolar disorder. Both the mood stabilizers and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI antidepressants) can be to blame. According to Dr. Norman Sussman, a clinical professor of psychiatry at the New York University School of Medicine, as many as two-thirds of those taking mood stabilizers will have significant weight gain. For those taking SSRIs, there is usually an increase by 20 to 30 pounds. However, recent research is finding that the anticonvulsant topiramate (Topamax), often prescribed as a mood stabilizer, may stimulate weight loss. The antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) also seems to help with this issue. Read More
Comments
Topamax does not always make a person lose weight. It depends on the person and how long you are on the medication.
I agree with comment #1.. I have been on Topamax for approx. 2&1/2 yrs (along with a few other meds & YES, I have discussed the other meds with my Specialist to see if any of those were the culprits).. I initially gained about 32-35 lbs. That’s alot for a woman who’s 5′3&1/2 & has been holding steady at 115 for the last several years. Used to weigh less but I became more active as I got a little older (go figure??!!) and as the saying goes, “muscle weigh’s more than fat”.. So, that explains that. Lets just say my clothes size has always been either size 5 or 7(maximum).. I was concidered “petite”..with small bones and now weigh in at ?? well, I wont go on the scale at this time as my feet are so incredibly swollen.. I know I’m likely now retaining another 15 lbs of H2O.. Last time I weighed myself I weighed exactly 150 lbs. 35 lbs of this weight came on board in less than 10+ months.. then slowly I just kept gaining more & more.. till now.?? I know I weigh over 150. How revolting. I have a Family Reunion coming up.. Everyone will say “Who is that woman?”. I simply dread the idea of going.. I’ve never felt so horrible in my life.. HELP!!!! Could it be the topamax..??