- What Can I Do To Prevent Weight Gain From Depakote?
QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
I have read a few of your responses about Depakote online. I have been taking 250 mg of Depakote for about 3 weeks, for Bipolar Disorder. I know that weight gain is a possible side effect. Is this due to a change in metabolism or an increase in appetite? I have been working out regularly and want to know what else I can do to prevent weight gain.
Thanks for your time.
ANSWER:
I don’t know if the exact mechanism has been worked out yet. At least part of the problem seems to be an appetite problem. Certainly exercise is an excellent idea. Timing of foods is often as important as what you eat. Your body is designed to survive – so having low blood sugar, not exercising, missing meals, and not having enough fiber will cause your body to gain fat. The “high performance diet” can be of help to you.
