Reply #10: Read all about it here! [View All]

[MADem]

http://bipolar.about.com/b/a/006880.htm

Weight gain due to medications is a real issue for many with bipolar disorder. Both the mood stabilizers and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI antidepressants) can be to blame. According to Dr. Norman Sussman, a clinical professor of psychiatry at the New York University School of Medicine, as many as two-thirds of those taking mood stabilizers will have significant weight gain. For those taking SSRIs, there is usually an increase by 20 to 30 pounds. However, recent research is finding that the anticonvulsant topiramate (Topamax), often prescribed as a mood stabilizer, may stimulate weight loss. The antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) also seems to help with this issue.

http://www.healthyplace.com/Communities/Thought_Disorders/schizo/news/weight_loss_drugs.htm

When it comes to treating psychosis or bipolar illness, health professionals have a hard enough time getting patients to stick with their psychotropic medications. After all, many patients in the throes of a psychiatric illness lack the insight that can motivate them to stay with therapy.

Add to that the fact that a majority of patients gain significant amounts of weight while on antidepressants and mood stabilizers, and you can wind up with a real compliance problem. Six in 10 patients in a recent European survey complained that weight gain was a major hurdle for them when it came to Rx treatment.

I think they have him on de pills, mon. You can see it on his face...and his physical condition. Let's hope he is taking them reliably, it is our only hope.