I was put on mirtazapine 30 mg and gained 40 pounds in three months
What is the best medicine for bipolar that does not cause weight gain?
Question posted by Mellanier on 19 Nov 2020
Last updated on 10 March 2021 by Mimi1205
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Answers
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) works well for my bipolar 2 disorder with no weight gain.
Hi, Mellanier!
Many, if not most, antidepressants and antipsychotic medication have the potential to cause weight gain in some people... it depends on how you respond to any given drug. Just because you gain weight on one doesn't necessarily mean you will on a different medication.
Are you taking medications for your Bipolar disorder or just an antidepressant for depression? Bipolar medications include mood stabilizers like lithium and lamotrigine and antipsychotics such as Vraylar, Abilify, and Latuda among others.
If you're just taking an antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin) is probably the most weight neutral and safer to use with Bipolar disorder. If you need a medication for Bipolar depression Latuda would be worth a try.
Have you talked to your health care professional about your weight gain and did you discuss your options? If not, that would be a good first step.
Related topics
depression, bipolar disorder, weight loss (obesity/overweight), post traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, mirtazapine, weight, medicine
Further information
- Mirtazapine uses and safety info
- Mirtazapine prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Mirtazapine (detailed)
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