Mood stabilizers used to treat bipolar disorder include lithium (Lithobid), valproic acid (Depakene), divalproex sodium (Depakote), carbamazepine (Tegretol, Equetro, others) and lamotrigine (Lamictal). All of these medications are known to increase the risk of weight gain except lamotrigine.
How does valproate cause weight gain?
Alterations in energy intake or expenditure can result from, or be associated with, changes in biological mechanisms, including hormone levels. In vitro studies suggest that VPA initiates pancreatic insulin secretion that might increase appetite and energy storage and result in weight gain (Luef, et al., 2003).
Which diabetes medications cause weight gain?
Another common class of diabetes medication, sulfonylureas, reduce blood sugar levels by 20 percent but also cause a weight gain of about four to five pounds on average, notes a study published August 2015 in the Archives of Medical Science. Sulfonylureas include gliclazide (Diamicron) and glibenclamide (Glynase).
What mood stabilizer does not cause weight gain?
Unlike most mood stabilizers, though, Lamictal is less likely to cause weight gain. In clinical trials, less than 5 percent of those taking Lamictal gained weight.
What mood stabilizer has the least side effects?
Advantages of Lamotrigine Patients who fail to respond to any other mood stabilizers and lithium have shown good results when treated using lamotrigine. Lamotrigine has minimal side effects that usually fade away after some time.
What bipolar medicine makes you lose weight?
Topiramate led to substantial weight loss in patients with bipolar disorders in these studies. The efficacy of topiramate as an adjunct treatment in patients with mood disorders has been demonstrated.
What is the newest medication for bipolar?
18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A new antipsychotic drug to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in adults has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The drug, Vraylar (cariprazine), is a capsule taken once a day.
What is the safest drug for bipolar?
Lithium stands out for its preventative effects in bipolar disorder, but it also has important benefits outside of the manic-depressive symptom lists. It is the only mood stabilizer that significantly reduces the risk of suicide, and it reduces mortality in other ways as well.
What medication is best for bipolar?
Mood stabilizers. You’ll typically need mood-stabilizing medication to control manic or hypomanic episodes. Examples of mood stabilizers include lithium (Lithobid), valproic acid (Depakene), divalproex sodium (Depakote), carbamazepine (Tegretol, Equetro, others) and lamotrigine (Lamictal).
What’s the best bipolar medicine?
Lithium: The first mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder. Mood stabilizers are medications that help control the highs and lows of bipolar disorder. They are the cornerstone of treatment, both for mania and depression. Lithium is the oldest and most well-known mood stabilizer and is highly effective for treating mania.
What is the best way to deal with someone who is bipolar?
Other ways to help someone with bipolar disorder
Can a bipolar person keep a job?
Your Rights Under the ADA. Many people with bipolar disorder are able to maintain a job. Bipolar disorder is one of the many conditions covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
How many bipolar people can’t work?
Between 30% and 60% of patients with bipolar disorder do not regain full social or occupational functioning after the onset of illness.
