Posted by Cam W. on July 22, 2000, at 0:14:54
In reply to Re: Lithium vs. Depakote » Cam W., posted by Lin on July 21, 2000, at 10:49:38
Lin - Weight gain with any of these drugs (mood stabilizers and antipsychotics) is fairly unpredictable. Both Depakote and lithium "can" cause weight gain, but these are listed as minor side effects in their respective drug monographs. I see some people who will gain 50 lbs from lithium or Depakote as monotherapy; but I also see someone stabilized Depakote, lithium AND Zyprexa lose 20 lbs in about 3 months. Go figure.
The only way to really find out if you will have added weight gain from the lithium, when added to the Zyprexa, is to try it. The Zyprexa weight gain usually begins to plateau at 8 or 9 months, so after this time, most weight gain may be attributable to the mood stabilizer (but not always).
Sorry that I can't be of any more help. - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:41032
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000717/msgs/41160.html