Bipolar Disorder Medications and Weight Gain: Prader-Willi Syndrome

Weight gain from bipolar disorder medications, especially anti psychotics represents one of the most difficult challenges those of us with bipolar disorder face when we try to manage this illness. I gained 80 pounds my first three years on meds. In the past few years, I gained 35 due to troubles with lithium.

It’s an awful experience to ALWAYS be hungry and NEVER fill full. It’s frustrating and rather scary to see your stomach turn to mush and your once healthy body get bigger and bigger….but it’s also fascinating. I am always on the lookout for why the drugs are doing this to so many of us, while some people can take lithium for example with ZERO weight gain.

There are stories in the news that might give us some answers. The story linked below talks about Prader-Willi syndrome.  Is it possible that the drugs that often save lives, are creating a similar problems in our bodies?

The more we can understand why something is happening, the better we can make decisions that help us stay stable and healthy.

I use lithium only in emergencies because of the weight gain for myself. I wish I could take it regularly, as it works well for me.

Some of my friends have been on lithium for over 20 years with great success and no health problems. It’s an individual issue. There is a lot of talk about metabolic syndrome and bipolar disorder medications. It’s time to do something about the weight gain from medications. So many of us need meds, but we need our physical health as well.

I have other meds I can take without weight gain. Interesting. What do you think?

Julie

 

Click on the picture above or click here to read the article on Prader-Willi syndrome and insatiable appetites. Could there be a link to this type of disorder that big pharma needs to address? 

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