Weight Gain with Bipolar Medications

by George Sander Blome III
(Bradenton, Florida)

The newer medications, mood stabilizers, for bipolar disorder have as a generally well-known side effect a weight gain in the patient. This weight gain can be as much as 40 pounds. Medications like Depakote and Abilify, not completely understood, seem to stimulate that part of the brain dealing with appetite.

If the prescribing doctor has not clearly forwarned the patient as to the good possibility of this weight gain, it can catch the patient unawares. The patient might then have self-esteem or body image issues which push the depressive side of his or her bipolar illness into gear.

Catch-22's like this show there is more a bipolar patient must have other than a qualified psychiatrist if he or she is to lead a satisfying life. Both a qualified medical doctor and a good therapist can help the bipolar patient adjust to weight gain stemming from new medication and any host of other issues dealing with the diagnosis.

The psychiatrist, medical doctor, and therapist form a part of a support team. A support team will be important to the bipolar person's ongoing wellbeing, especially if the bipolar's illnesses and hospitalizations have put off family members and other loved ones.

Where does the bipolar patient find the funds to pay for this part of his or her support team? How can he or she pay for the medication?

If the diagnosed person does not have privately available monies and health insurance for treatment,, including Social Security, Medicare, and/or Medicaid, clinics operating on a sliding scale of fees (pay what you can) are available in most county health systems. Drug companies, too, have programs available for indigent patients.

In closing, whether a bipolar patient, a loved one of a bipolar patient, or a health care professional,, cooperative attitudes can help bipolar patients deal with weight gain and other side effects occuring because needed psychotropic drugs are taken as prescribed.

While serious, bipolar illness, need not prevent the person with it from leading a full and satisfactory life.