WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THE WEIGHT GAIN? Ask The Doctor Dr. Leland Heller Biological Unhappiness WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THE WEIGHT GAIN? Question: Hello, I have been going to a Psychiatrist for some time now, for Manic Depression / Bipolar Disorder/Disease. The Cymbalta seems to have really made a huge difference. But, any of the other medications he has prescribed to go with the Cymbalta has had the horrible side affect of weight gain!! I finally went off of Depakote, which did stop the weight gain, but no matter what diet I try, I cannot get rid of the 30 pounds I have put on in a matter of 3 months! He also has me on Remeron for sleep, which has also been a problem with my weight gain. So, I went down to 1/2 of the 45mg, and all it did was stop my sleep pattern, which has been bad for YEARS, but was much better with the Remeron. So, I went back on the whole tablet at night, and I am sleeping much better, but now I have gained another 5 pounds in only one week!!! Can you tell me what other medications are out there that I can use that might possibly have an appetite suppressant effect from it? My Dr. just won’t give me a prescription for a DIET PILL……….. OVER THE EDGE, IN FLORIDA…………….. Dr. Heller’s Answer: Assuming you have bipolar and thats it, a reasonable option is Topamax (topiramate), which frequently causes weight loss. It can sometimes help with sleep as well. Both Remeron (mirtazapine) and Depakote (valproic acid or valproate) can cause weight gain. Remeron (mirtazapine) has no peer when it comes to PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) induced insomnia. Diet pills have their risks in those with bipolar. 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Ask the Doctor Home MENU: Screening Test “Ask the Doctor” (BPD)Borderline Personality Disorder Annual Updates Biological Unhappiness Disorders & Official Criteria Dr. Heller’s C.V. & Picture How Dr. Heller Got Involved If You Want to See Dr. Heller as a Patient Testimonials Table of Contents for the Book ‘Biological Unhappiness’ How to Order “Life at the Border” Why Read ‘Biological Unhappiness’? Goals AD(H)D and Relationships BPD, Bipolar or ADHD? Suicide What if BuSpar makes me anxious or ill? A Suicide Attempt Per Minute in the US Grandparents raising Grandchildren Information About Children What Signs are there that Someone May ‘SNAP’? TV & Cartoon Characters with Depression & Other Disorders Dr. Heller’s Office Website Dr. Heller’s Lectures Mentally Healthy People Retraining the Brain Today is a Gift Reviews Links Webrings Site Index Home Video DVDs now available! You can watch and listen to Dr. Heller in the comfort and convenience of your own home. Provides full explanations and treatment descriptions of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – 90 minutes, other Biological Unhappiness disorders – 90 minutes. Click here to find out more about Dr. Heller’s educational videos. “Biological Unhappiness” “Open this book and it will open your mind. By combining proven medical procedure with hope and inspiration, Dr. Heller has made a significant difference in thousands of patients who had little hope for recovery. “Biological Unhappiness” contains critical information for those who have lost hope.”Zig Ziglar, motivational speaker, author, See You at the Top, Over the Top, Success for Dummies, Raising Positive kids in a Negative World. Dr. Leland Heller Dyslimbia Press, Inc. 1713 US Hwy 441 N, Suite E Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-467-8771 Email: Hours: M-Thu. 8:30AM-5PMFri. 8:30AM-12 Noon*(*During November through April, the office is open until 3PM on Fridays.) All material not explicitly credited otherwise is copyrighted © 1999-2011 Dr. Leland Heller. All Rights Reserved. May not be duplicated without the permission of Dr. Leland Heller or Dyslimbia Press. Biological Unhappiness, BiologicalUnhappiness.com, & Dyslimbia Press are trademarks of Dr. Leland HellerDesigned and/or hosted by the webmasters at: US-Webmasters.com (TM) Start here to find it FAST!(TM)